A related notion is subsidiarity, the idea that social and political issues should be dealt with at the most immediate or local level most suitable for resolving these issues. Subsidiarity is a general principle of EU law, but has its roots in the teachings of Aquinas and his ideas about natural law.

I find it interesting how figures who are seemingly diametrically opposed, can still reach a similar conclusion when it comes to where power should reside; on the lowest level possible and practicable. Or how a pope, the leader of perhaps the most hierarchical organisation in human history, can sometimes agree with an anarchist.