183-409: Right-libertarianism , also known as libertarian capitalism , or right-wing libertarianism , is a libertarian political philosophy that supports capitalist property rights and defends market distribution of natural resources and private property . The term right-libertarianism is used to distinguish this class of views on the nature of property and capital from left-libertarianism ,
366-598: A conservative lifestyle , viewing private business as a "great victim of the state" and favoring a non-interventionist foreign policy, sharing the Old Right 's "opposition to empire". Defunct Newspapers Journals TV channels Websites Other Economics Gun rights Identity politics Nativist Religion Watchdog groups Youth/student groups Miscellaneous Other Murray Rothbard , whose writings and personal influence helped create some strands of right-libertarianism, wrote about
549-506: A minimal state on the grounds that it was an inevitable phenomenon which could arise without violating individual rights . According to common United States meanings of conservative and liberal , libertarianism in the United States has been described as conservative on economic issues ( economic liberalism and fiscal conservatism ) and liberal on personal freedom ( civil libertarianism and cultural liberalism ). It
732-443: A minimal state on the grounds that it was an inevitable phenomenon which could arise without violating individual rights . According to common United States meanings of conservative and liberal , libertarianism in the United States has been described as conservative on economic issues ( economic liberalism and fiscal conservatism ) and liberal on personal freedom ( civil libertarianism and cultural liberalism ). It
915-460: A bedrock of the virtuous society" and that "[t]he egalitarian ethic is morally reprehensible and destructive of private property and social authority". While libertarian was popularized by the libertarian socialist Benjamin Tucker around the late 1870s and early 1880s, H. L. Mencken and Albert Jay Nock were the first prominent figures in the United States to describe themselves as libertarian as
1098-448: A conception of personal autonomy from which they argue in favor of civil liberties and a reduction or elimination of the state. People described as being left-libertarian or right-libertarian generally tend to call themselves simply libertarians and refer to their philosophy as libertarianism. As a result, some political scientists and writers classify the forms of libertarianism into two or more groups to distinguish libertarian views on
1281-448: A conception of personal autonomy from which they argue in favor of civil liberties and a reduction or elimination of the state. People described as being left-libertarian or right-libertarian generally tend to call themselves simply libertarians and refer to their philosophy as libertarianism. As a result, some political scientists and writers classify the forms of libertarianism into two or more groups to distinguish libertarian views on
1464-530: A conservative in the nose. I am a radical". Their opposition and resistance to the state approached philosophical anarchism with Nock and amounted to statelessness in Chodorov's case. On the other hand, Lew Rockwell and Jeffrey Tucker identifies the Old Right as being culturally conservative , arguing that "[v]igorous social authority—as embodied in the family, church, and other mediating institutions—is
1647-578: A fair hearing". Neo-libertarianism has its roots at least as far back as 1980 when it was first described by the American philosopher James Sterba of the University of Notre Dame . Sterba observed that libertarianism advocates for a government that does no more than protection against force, fraud, theft, enforcement of contracts and other so-called negative liberties as contrasted with positive liberties by Isaiah Berlin . Sterba contrasted this with
1830-464: A fair hearing". Neo-libertarianism has its roots at least as far back as 1980 when it was first described by the American philosopher James Sterba of the University of Notre Dame . Sterba observed that libertarianism advocates for a government that does no more than protection against force, fraud, theft, enforcement of contracts and other so-called negative liberties as contrasted with positive liberties by Isaiah Berlin . Sterba contrasted this with
2013-494: A good reputation to stay in business. Linda and Morris Tannehill argue that no coercive monopoly of force can arise on a truly free market and that a government's citizenry can desert them in favor of a competent protection and defense agency. Philosopher Moshe Kroy argues that the disagreement between anarcho-capitalists who adhere to Murray Rothbard 's view of human consciousness and the nature of values and minarchists who adhere to Ayn Rand 's view of human consciousness and
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#17327873641592196-433: A government authority, the latter exempts power wielded through free-market capitalism . Historically, libertarians such as Herbert Spencer and Max Stirner supported the protection of an individual's freedom from powers of government and private ownership . While condemning governmental encroachment on personal liberties , right-libertarians support freedoms on the basis of their agreement with private property rights and
2379-562: A libertarian philosophical treatise titled Enquiry Concerning Political Justice and its Influence on Morals and Happiness which criticized ideas of human rights and of society by contract based on vague promises. He took liberalism to its logical anarchic conclusion by rejecting all political institutions, law, government and apparatus of coercion as well as all political protest and insurrection. Instead of institutionalized justice, Godwin proposed that people influence one another to moral goodness through informal reasoned persuasion, including in
2562-562: A libertarian philosophical treatise titled Enquiry Concerning Political Justice and its Influence on Morals and Happiness which criticized ideas of human rights and of society by contract based on vague promises. He took liberalism to its logical anarchic conclusion by rejecting all political institutions, law, government and apparatus of coercion as well as all political protest and insurrection. Instead of institutionalized justice, Godwin proposed that people influence one another to moral goodness through informal reasoned persuasion, including in
2745-424: A night-watchman state, but instead requires sufficient government to provide each person in society with the relatively high minimum of liberty that persons using Rawls ' decision procedure would select. The political program actually justified by an ideal of negative liberty I shall call Neo-Libertarianism ." Libertarian populism combines libertarian and populist politics. According to Jesse Walker , writing in
2928-424: A night-watchman state, but instead requires sufficient government to provide each person in society with the relatively high minimum of liberty that persons using Rawls ' decision procedure would select. The political program actually justified by an ideal of negative liberty I shall call Neo-Libertarianism ." Libertarian populism combines libertarian and populist politics. According to Jesse Walker , writing in
3111-430: A range of views regarding the legitimate functions of state and non-state power . Different categorizations have been used to distinguish these various forms of libertarianism. Scholars have identified distinct libertarian perspectives on the nature of property and capital , typically delineating them along left–right or socialist – capitalist axes. Libertarianism has been broadly shaped by liberal ideas. In
3294-457: A republican sense in 1802 in a short piece critiquing a poem by " the author of Gebir " and has since been used politically. The use of the term libertarian to describe a new set of political positions has been traced to the French cognate libertaire , coined in a letter French libertarian communist Joseph Déjacque wrote to mutualist Pierre-Joseph Proudhon in 1857. Déjacque also used
3477-404: A republican sense in 1802 in a short piece critiquing a poem by " the author of Gebir " and has since been used politically. The use of the term libertarian to describe a new set of political positions has been traced to the French cognate libertaire , coined in a letter French libertarian communist Joseph Déjacque wrote to mutualist Pierre-Joseph Proudhon in 1857. Déjacque also used
3660-830: A synonym for liberal . They believed that Franklin D. Roosevelt had co-opted the word liberal for his New Deal policies which they opposed and used libertarian to signify their allegiance to classical liberalism , individualism and limited government . In the 1960s, Rothbard started publishing Left and Right: A Journal of Libertarian Thought , believing that the left–right political spectrum had gone "entirely askew" since conservatives were sometimes more statist than liberals and tried to reach out to leftists and go beyond left and right. In 1971, Rothbard wrote about right-libertarianism which he described as supporting free trade , property rights and self-ownership . Rothbard would later describe it as anarcho-capitalism and paleolibertarianism . Right-libertarianism developed in
3843-581: A term, libertarian or economic libertarian has the most everyday acceptance to describe a member of the movement, with the latter term being based on both the ideology's importance of economics and its distinction from libertarians of the New Left. While both historical and contemporary libertarianism share general antipathy towards power by government authority, the latter exempts power wielded through free-market capitalism . Historically, libertarians, including Herbert Spencer and Max Stirner , supported
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#17327873641594026-525: A term, libertarian or economic libertarian has the most everyday acceptance to describe a member of the movement, with the latter term being based on both the ideology's importance of economics and its distinction from libertarians of the New Left. While both historical and contemporary libertarianism share general antipathy towards power by government authority, the latter exempts power wielded through free-market capitalism . Historically, libertarians, including Herbert Spencer and Max Stirner , supported
4209-565: A variant of libertarianism that combines self-ownership with an anti-authoritarian approach to property and income. In contrast to socialist libertarianism, right-libertarianism supports free-market capitalism . Like most forms of libertarianism, it supports civil liberties , especially natural law , negative rights , the non-aggression principle , and a significant transformation of the modern welfare state . Practitioners of right-libertarianism usually do not self-describe by that term and often object to it. Right-libertarian political thought
4392-527: Is a political philosophy that holds freedom as its primary value. Many libertarians conceive of freedom in accord with the Non-Aggression Principle , according to which each individual has the right to live as they choose, so long as it does not involve violating the rights of others by initiating force or fraud against them. Libertarians advocate for the expansion of individual autonomy and political self-determination , emphasizing
4575-491: Is a debate amongst right-libertarians as to whether or not the state is legitimate. While anarcho-capitalists advocate its abolition, minarchists support minimal states, often referred to as night-watchman states. Minarchists maintain that the state is necessary for the protection of individuals from aggression , breach of contract , fraud and theft. They believe the only legitimate governmental institutions are courts, military and police, although some expand this list to include
4758-594: Is also often associated with a foreign policy of non-interventionism . Although libertarianism originated as a form of anarchist or left-wing politics , the development in the mid-20th century of modern libertarianism in the United States resulted in libertarianism's being commonly associated with right-wing politics , as well as viewed by many as neither left- nor right-wing, but an independent pro-freedom and anti-authoritarian philosophy. It also resulted in several authors and political scientists using two or more categorizations to distinguish libertarian views on
4941-594: Is also often associated with a foreign policy of non-interventionism . Although libertarianism originated as a form of anarchist or left-wing politics , the development in the mid-20th century of modern libertarianism in the United States resulted in libertarianism's being commonly associated with right-wing politics , as well as viewed by many as neither left- nor right-wing, but an independent pro-freedom and anti-authoritarian philosophy. It also resulted in several authors and political scientists using two or more categorizations to distinguish libertarian views on
5124-441: Is also rooted in the ideas of individual rights and laissez-faire economics. The right-libertarian theory of individual rights generally follows the homestead principle and the labor theory of property , stressing self-ownership and that people have an absolute right to the property that their labor produces. Economically, right-libertarians make no distinction between capitalism and free markets and view any attempt to dictate
5307-435: Is characterized by the strict priority given to liberty , with the need to maximize the realm of individual freedom and minimize the scope of public authority. Right-libertarians typically see the state as the principal threat to liberty. This anti-statism differs from anarchist doctrines in that it is based upon strong individualism that places less emphasis on human sociability or cooperation. Right-libertarian philosophy
5490-437: Is closely associated with, to "safeguard" and maintain individualism. Libertarians argue that some forms of order within society emerge spontaneously from the actions of many different individuals acting independently from one another without any central planning . Proposed examples of systems that evolved through spontaneous order or self-organization include the evolution of life on Earth , language , crystal structure ,
5673-437: Is closely associated with, to "safeguard" and maintain individualism. Libertarians argue that some forms of order within society emerge spontaneously from the actions of many different individuals acting independently from one another without any central planning . Proposed examples of systems that evolved through spontaneous order or self-organization include the evolution of life on Earth , language , crystal structure ,
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5856-426: Is compatible with libertarianism, something which is rejected by anti-capitalist libertarians. According to Stephen Metcalf , Nozick expressed serious misgivings about capitalism, going so far as to reject much of the foundations of the theory on the grounds that personal freedom can sometimes only be fully actualized via a collectivist politics and that wealth is at times justly redistributed via taxation to protect
6039-516: Is considered to be one's property. The principle has been used rhetorically to oppose policies such as military drafts , taxation and victimless crime laws. While there is debate on whether right-libertarianism and left-libertarianism or socialist libertarianism "represent distinct ideologies as opposed to variations on a theme", right-libertarianism is most in favor of capitalist private property and property rights. Right-libertarians maintain that unowned natural resources "may be appropriated by
6222-434: Is diminished by being automatically enrolled in the plan, when they merely have to check a box to opt out." Nudge is considered an important piece of literature in behavioral economics . Neo-libertarianism combines "the libertarian's moral commitment to negative liberty with a procedure that selects principles for restricting liberty on the basis of a unanimous agreement in which everyone's particular interests receive
6405-434: Is diminished by being automatically enrolled in the plan, when they merely have to check a box to opt out." Nudge is considered an important piece of literature in behavioral economics . Neo-libertarianism combines "the libertarian's moral commitment to negative liberty with a procedure that selects principles for restricting liberty on the basis of a unanimous agreement in which everyone's particular interests receive
6588-433: Is divided over the use of conservatism as an alternative. Those who seek both economic and social liberty would be known as liberals , but that term developed associations opposite of the limited government , low-taxation, minimal state advocated by the movement. Name variants of the free-market revival movement include classical liberalism , economic liberalism , free-market liberalism and neoliberalism . As
6771-433: Is divided over the use of conservatism as an alternative. Those who seek both economic and social liberty would be known as liberals , but that term developed associations opposite of the limited government , low-taxation, minimal state advocated by the movement. Name variants of the free-market revival movement include classical liberalism , economic liberalism , free-market liberalism and neoliberalism . As
6954-537: Is first recorded in 1789 coined by the British historian William Belsham , in a discussion against free will from the author's deterministic point of view. This debate between libertarianism in a philosophical-metaphysical sense and determinism would continue into the early nineteenth century, especially in the field of Protestant theology . The Merriam-Webster Dictionary , in English, attests to this ancient use of
7137-616: Is in terms of the logical implications of these founding axioms". Although several modern American libertarians reject the political spectrum , especially the left–right political spectrum , several strands of libertarianism in the United States and right-libertarianism have been described as being right-wing, New Right or radical right and reactionary . While some American libertarians such as Walter Block , Harry Browne , Tibor Machan , Justin Raimondo , Leonard Read and Murray Rothbard deny any association with either
7320-560: Is in terms of the logical implications of these founding axioms". Although several modern American libertarians reject the political spectrum , especially the left–right political spectrum , several strands of libertarianism in the United States and right-libertarianism have been described as being right-wing, New Right or radical right and reactionary . While some American libertarians such as Walter Block , Harry Browne , Tibor Machan , Justin Raimondo , Leonard Read and Murray Rothbard deny any association with either
7503-424: Is in terms of the logical implications of these founding axioms". Although some libertarians may reject the political spectrum , especially the left–right political spectrum , right-libertarianism and several right-oriented strands of libertarianism in the United States have been described as being right-wing, New Right , radical right and reactionary . American libertarian activist and politician David Nolan ,
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7686-444: Is increasingly viewed as this capitalist free-market position. As a term, right-libertarianism is used by some political analysts, academics and media sources, especially in the United States, to describe the libertarian philosophy which is supportive of free-market capitalism and strong right to property , in addition to supporting limited government and self-ownership , being contrasted with left-wing views which do not support
7869-414: Is not a right-wing doctrine in the context of the typical left–right political spectrum because on social issues it tends to be left-wing, opposing laws restricting consensual sexual relationships between or drug use by adults as well as laws imposing religious views or practices and compulsory military service. He defines right-libertarianism as holding that unowned natural resources "may be appropriated by
8052-554: Is now the most popular conception of libertarianism. Commonly referred to as a continuation or radicalization of classical liberalism , the most important of these early philosophers and economists was Robert Nozick . While left-libertarians advocate for social freedom, right-libertarians also value social institutions that support capitalist conditions. They reject institutions that oppose this framework, arguing that such interventions unnecessarily coerce individuals and violate their economic freedom. Anarcho-capitalists seek
8235-554: Is now the most popular conception of libertarianism. Commonly referred to as a continuation or radicalization of classical liberalism , the most important of these early philosophers and economists was Robert Nozick . While left-libertarians advocate for social freedom, right-libertarians also value social institutions that support capitalist conditions. They reject institutions that oppose this framework, arguing that such interventions unnecessarily coerce individuals and violate their economic freedom. Anarcho-capitalists seek
8418-425: Is often described as the foundation of several present-day libertarian philosophies, including right-libertarianism. The NAP is a moral stance which forbids actions that are inconsistent with capitalist private property and property rights . It defines aggression and initiation of force as violation of these rights. The NAP and property rights are closely linked since what constitutes aggression depends on what it
8601-471: Is often thought of as 'right-wing' doctrine. This, however, is mistaken for at least two reasons. First, on social—rather than economic—issues, libertarianism tends to be 'left-wing'. It opposes laws that restrict consensual and private sexual relationships between adults (e.g., gay-sex, non-marital sex, and deviant sex), laws that restrict drug use, laws that impose religious views or practices on individuals, and compulsory military service. Second, in addition to
8784-600: Is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it." According to American historian Bernard Bailyn , during and after the American Revolution , "the major themes of eighteenth-century libertarianism were brought to realization" in constitutions , bills of rights , and limits on legislative and executive powers, including limits on starting wars. According to Murray Rothbard , the libertarian creed emerged from
8967-425: Is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it." According to American historian Bernard Bailyn , during and after the American Revolution , "the major themes of eighteenth-century libertarianism were brought to realization" in constitutions , bills of rights , and limits on legislative and executive powers, including limits on starting wars. According to Murray Rothbard , the libertarian creed emerged from
9150-532: Is the common meaning of the word libertarianism in the U.S. This form is often named liberalism elsewhere such as in Europe, where liberalism has a different common meaning than in the United States. In some academic circles, this form is called right-libertarianism as a complement to left-libertarianism , with acceptance of capitalism or the private ownership of land as being the distinguishing feature. Elements of libertarianism can be traced back to
9333-479: Is the common meaning of the word libertarianism in the U.S. This form is often named liberalism elsewhere such as in Europe, where liberalism has a different common meaning than in the United States. In some academic circles, this form is called right-libertarianism as a complement to left-libertarianism , with acceptance of capitalism or the private ownership of land as being the distinguishing feature. Elements of libertarianism can be traced back to
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#17327873641599516-464: Is to protect personal and property rights; that people may dissolve governments that do not do so; and that representative government is the best form to protect rights. The United States Declaration of Independence was inspired by Locke in its statement: "[T]o secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed . That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it
9699-464: Is to protect personal and property rights; that people may dissolve governments that do not do so; and that representative government is the best form to protect rights. The United States Declaration of Independence was inspired by Locke in its statement: "[T]o secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed . That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it
9882-413: Is true that the word "liberal" once described persons who respected the individual and feared the use of mass compulsions. But the leftists have now corrupted that once-proud term to identify themselves and their program of more government ownership of property and more controls over persons. As a result, those of us who believe in freedom must explain that when we call ourselves liberals, we mean liberals in
10065-413: Is true that the word "liberal" once described persons who respected the individual and feared the use of mass compulsions. But the leftists have now corrupted that once-proud term to identify themselves and their program of more government ownership of property and more controls over persons. As a result, those of us who believe in freedom must explain that when we call ourselves liberals, we mean liberals in
10248-466: The 2021 Chilean presidential election with the Apruebo Dignidad coalition. In November 2023, economist and television commentator Javier Milei was elected as the world's first self-identified anarcho-capitalist head of state after winning an upset landslide in that year's general election as the leader of the libertarian La Libertad Avanza coalition. The first recorded use of
10431-401: The 2021 Chilean presidential election with the Apruebo Dignidad coalition. In November 2023, economist and television commentator Javier Milei was elected as the world's first self-identified anarcho-capitalist head of state after winning an upset landslide in that year's general election as the leader of the libertarian La Libertad Avanza coalition. The first recorded use of
10614-780: The Austrian School (majority) or the Chicago school of economics (minority) and support laissez-faire capitalism which they define as the free market in opposition to state capitalism and interventionism . Right-libertarianism and its individualism have been discussed as part of the New Right in relation to neoliberalism and Thatcherism . In the 20th century, New Right liberal conservatism influenced by right-libertarianism marginalized other forms of conservatism. The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy describes right-libertarian philosophy as follows: Libertarianism
10797-774: The Bolsheviks in both the February and October 1917 revolutions. However, Bolsheviks in central Russia quickly began to imprison or drive underground the libertarian anarchists. Many fled to Ukraine. After the anarchist Makhnovshchina helped stave off the White movement during the Russian Civil War , the Bolsheviks turned on the Makkhnovists and contributed to the schism between the anarcho-syndicalists and
10980-423: The Bolsheviks in both the February and October 1917 revolutions. However, Bolsheviks in central Russia quickly began to imprison or drive underground the libertarian anarchists. Many fled to Ukraine. After the anarchist Makhnovshchina helped stave off the White movement during the Russian Civil War , the Bolsheviks turned on the Makkhnovists and contributed to the schism between the anarcho-syndicalists and
11163-773: The Cato Institute 's David Boaz includes passages from the Tao Te Ching in his 1997 book The Libertarian Reader and noted in an article for the Encyclopædia Britannica that Laozi advocated for rulers to "do nothing" because "without law or compulsion, men would dwell in harmony". Libertarianism was influenced by debates within Scholasticism regarding private property and slavery . Scholastic thinkers, including Thomas Aquinas , Francisco de Vitoria , and Bartolomé de Las Casas , argued for
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#173278736415911346-514: The Cato Institute 's David Boaz includes passages from the Tao Te Ching in his 1997 book The Libertarian Reader and noted in an article for the Encyclopædia Britannica that Laozi advocated for rulers to "do nothing" because "without law or compulsion, men would dwell in harmony". Libertarianism was influenced by debates within Scholasticism regarding private property and slavery . Scholastic thinkers, including Thomas Aquinas , Francisco de Vitoria , and Bartolomé de Las Casas , argued for
11529-455: The Internet , Misplaced Pages , workers' councils , Horizontalidad , and a free market economy . What some academics call right-libertarianism is more often simply called "libertarianism" by its adherents. Based on the works of European writers like John Locke , Frederic Bastiat , Friedrich Hayek and Ludwig Von Mises , it developed in the United States in the mid-20th century, and
11712-400: The Internet , Misplaced Pages , workers' councils , Horizontalidad , and a free market economy . What some academics call right-libertarianism is more often simply called "libertarianism" by its adherents. Based on the works of European writers like John Locke , Frederic Bastiat , Friedrich Hayek and Ludwig Von Mises , it developed in the United States in the mid-20th century, and
11895-621: The Libertarian Party or works to drag it right and prefers coalitions with supposedly ' free-market ' conservatives ". Anthony Gregory maintains that libertarianism "can refer to any number of varying and at times mutually exclusive political orientations". While holding that the important distinction for libertarians is not left or right, but whether they are "government apologists who use libertarian rhetoric to defend state aggression", he describes right-libertarianism as having and maintaining interest in economic freedom , preferring
12078-509: The Libertarian Party , of the United States, libertarianism is the advocacy of either anarchy, or government that is funded voluntarily and limited to protecting individuals from coercion and violence. According to the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy (IEP), "What it means to be a 'libertarian' in a political sense is a contentious issue, especially among libertarians themselves." Nevertheless, all libertarians begin with
12261-438: The Libertarian Party , of the United States, libertarianism is the advocacy of either anarchy, or government that is funded voluntarily and limited to protecting individuals from coercion and violence. According to the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy (IEP), "What it means to be a 'libertarian' in a political sense is a contentious issue, especially among libertarians themselves." Nevertheless, all libertarians begin with
12444-555: The Spanish Civil War (1936–1939). Gruppo Comunista Anarchico di Firenze held that during the early twentieth century, the terms libertarian communism and anarchist communism became synonymous within the international anarchist movement as a result of the close connection they had in Spain ( anarchism in Spain ), with libertarian communism becoming the prevalent term. Libertarian socialism reached its apex of popularity with
12627-436: The Spanish Civil War (1936–1939). Gruppo Comunista Anarchico di Firenze held that during the early twentieth century, the terms libertarian communism and anarchist communism became synonymous within the international anarchist movement as a result of the close connection they had in Spain ( anarchism in Spain ), with libertarian communism becoming the prevalent term. Libertarian socialism reached its apex of popularity with
12810-528: The Spanish Revolution of 1936 , during which libertarian socialists led "the largest and most successful revolution against capitalism to ever take place in any industrial economy". During the revolution, the means of production were brought under workers' control and worker cooperatives formed the basis for the new economy. According to Gaston Leval , the CNT established an agrarian federation in
12993-411: The Spanish Revolution of 1936 , during which libertarian socialists led "the largest and most successful revolution against capitalism to ever take place in any industrial economy". During the revolution, the means of production were brought under workers' control and worker cooperatives formed the basis for the new economy. According to Gaston Leval , the CNT established an agrarian federation in
13176-614: The Steiner–Vallentyne school . Some variants of libertarianism, such as anarcho-capitalism, have been labeled as far-right or radical right by some scholars. Those sometimes called "right-libertarians", usually by leftists or by other libertarians with more left-leaning ideologies, often reject the label due to its association with conservatism and right-wing politics and simply describe themselves as libertarians . However, some, particularly those who describe themselves as paleo-libertarians , agree with their placement on
13359-554: The Steiner–Vallentyne school . Some variants of libertarianism, such as anarcho-capitalism, have been labeled as far-right or radical right by some scholars. Those sometimes called "right-libertarians", usually by leftists or by other libertarians with more left-leaning ideologies, often reject the label due to its association with conservatism and right-wing politics and simply describe themselves as libertarians . However, some, particularly those who describe themselves as paleo-libertarians , agree with their placement on
13542-642: The left-libertarian advocacy for social freedom , right-libertarians also value capitalism while rejecting institutions that intervene the free market on the grounds that such interventions represent unnecessary coercion of individuals and therefore a violation of their economic freedom . Anarcho-capitalists seek complete elimination of the state in favor of private defense agencies while minarchists defend night-watchman states which maintain only those functions of government necessary to safeguard natural rights, understood in terms of self-ownership or autonomy. Right-libertarians are economic liberals of either
13725-612: The means of production , or else to restrict their purview or effects to usufruct property norms, in favor of common or cooperative ownership and management , viewing private property in the means of production as a barrier to freedom and liberty. In the mid-20th century, American proponents of anarcho-capitalism and minarchism began using the term libertarian . Minarchists advocate for night-watchman states which maintain only those functions of government necessary to safeguard natural rights, understood in terms of self-ownership or autonomy, while anarcho-capitalists advocate for
13908-612: The means of production , or else to restrict their purview or effects to usufruct property norms, in favor of common or cooperative ownership and management , viewing private property in the means of production as a barrier to freedom and liberty. In the mid-20th century, American proponents of anarcho-capitalism and minarchism began using the term libertarian . Minarchists advocate for night-watchman states which maintain only those functions of government necessary to safeguard natural rights, understood in terms of self-ownership or autonomy, while anarcho-capitalists advocate for
14091-584: The " sectarian " libertarian socialists for the defeat of the Republic in the Spanish Civil War . These charges have been disputed by contemporary libertarian socialists, such as Robin Hahnel and Noam Chomsky, who have accused such claims of lacking substantial evidence. Libertarianism Libertarianism (from French : libertaire , itself from the Latin : libertas , lit. 'freedom')
14274-576: The 18th century and Age of Enlightenment , liberal ideas flourished in Europe and North America. Libertarians of various schools were influenced by liberal ideas. For philosopher Roderick T. Long, libertarians "share a common—or at least an overlapping—intellectual ancestry. [Libertarians] [...] claim the seventeenth century English Levellers and the eighteenth century French Encyclopedists among their ideological forebears; and [...] usually share an admiration for Thomas Jefferson and Thomas Paine ." John Locke greatly influenced both libertarianism and
14457-576: The 18th century and Age of Enlightenment , liberal ideas flourished in Europe and North America. Libertarians of various schools were influenced by liberal ideas. For philosopher Roderick T. Long, libertarians "share a common—or at least an overlapping—intellectual ancestry. [Libertarians] [...] claim the seventeenth century English Levellers and the eighteenth century French Encyclopedists among their ideological forebears; and [...] usually share an admiration for Thomas Jefferson and Thomas Paine ." John Locke greatly influenced both libertarianism and
14640-405: The 19th century and to a liberal version that developed in the United States that is avowedly pro- capitalist . According to polls, approximately one in four Americans self-identify as libertarian . While most members of this group are not necessarily ideologically driven, the term libertarian is commonly used to describe the form of libertarianism widely practiced in the United States and
14823-405: The 19th century and to a liberal version that developed in the United States that is avowedly pro- capitalist . According to polls, approximately one in four Americans self-identify as libertarian . While most members of this group are not necessarily ideologically driven, the term libertarian is commonly used to describe the form of libertarianism widely practiced in the United States and
15006-644: The Communists. With the rise of fascism in Europe between the 1920s and the 1930s, anarchists began to fight fascists in Italy, in France during the February 1934 riots and in Spain where the CNT (Confederación Nacional del Trabajo) boycott of elections led to a right-wing victory and its later participation in voting in 1936 helped bring the popular front back to power. This led to a ruling class attempted coup and
15189-432: The Communists. With the rise of fascism in Europe between the 1920s and the 1930s, anarchists began to fight fascists in Italy, in France during the February 1934 riots and in Spain where the CNT (Confederación Nacional del Trabajo) boycott of elections led to a right-wing victory and its later participation in voting in 1936 helped bring the popular front back to power. This led to a ruling class attempted coup and
15372-587: The Levante that encompassed 78% of Spain's most arable land . The regional federation was populated by 1,650,000 people, 40% of whom lived on the region's 900 agrarian collectives, which were self-organised by peasant unions. Although industrial and agricultural production was at its highest in the anarchist-controlled areas of the Spanish Republic, and the anarchist militias displayed the strongest military discipline, liberals and communists alike blamed
15555-465: The Levante that encompassed 78% of Spain's most arable land . The regional federation was populated by 1,650,000 people, 40% of whom lived on the region's 900 agrarian collectives, which were self-organised by peasant unions. Although industrial and agricultural production was at its highest in the anarchist-controlled areas of the Spanish Republic, and the anarchist militias displayed the strongest military discipline, liberals and communists alike blamed
15738-591: The Levellers, who held similar views. Also influential were the English Cato's Letters during the early 1700s, reprinted eagerly by American colonists who already were free of European aristocracy and feudal land monopolies. In January 1776, only two years after coming to America from England, Thomas Paine published his pamphlet Common Sense calling for independence for the colonies. Paine promoted liberal ideas in clear and concise language that allowed
15921-473: The Levellers, who held similar views. Also influential were the English Cato's Letters during the early 1700s, reprinted eagerly by American colonists who already were free of European aristocracy and feudal land monopolies. In January 1776, only two years after coming to America from England, Thomas Paine published his pamphlet Common Sense calling for independence for the colonies. Paine promoted liberal ideas in clear and concise language that allowed
16104-573: The New Deal and the Fair Deal whilst challenging imperialism and military interventionism. However, Old Right was a label about which many or most of these figures might have been skeptical as most thought of themselves effectively as classical liberals rather than the national defense and social conservatism of thinkers associated with the later movement conservatism , with Chodorov famously writing: "As for me, I will punch anyone who calls me
16287-484: The Old Right and as being popularized again by the New Right . Individuals who are seen in this Old Right libertarian tradition include Frank Chodorov , John T. Flynn , Garet Garrett , Rose Wilder Lane , H. L. Mencken , Albert Jay Nock and Isabel Paterson . What those thinkers had in common was opposition to the rise of the managerial state during the Progressive Era and its expansion in connection with
16470-497: The Old Right in the United States, a loose coalition of individuals formed in the 1930s to oppose the New Deal at home and military interventionism abroad, that they "did not describe or think of themselves as conservatives: they wanted to repeal and overthrow, not conserve". Bill Kauffman has also written about such "old right libertarians". Peter Marshall dates right-libertarianism and anarcho-capitalism in particular back to
16653-403: The United States , and increasingly worldwide, libertarian is a typology used to describe a political position that advocates small government and is culturally liberal and fiscally conservative in a two-dimensional political spectrum such as the libertarian-inspired Nolan Chart , where the other major typologies are conservative , liberal and populist . Libertarians support
16836-403: The United States , and increasingly worldwide, libertarian is a typology used to describe a political position that advocates small government and is culturally liberal and fiscally conservative in a two-dimensional political spectrum such as the libertarian-inspired Nolan Chart , where the other major typologies are conservative , liberal and populist . Libertarians support
17019-491: The United States in the mid-20th century from the works of European liberal writers such as John Locke , Friedrich Hayek and Ludwig von Mises and is the most popular conception of libertarianism in the United States today. It is commonly referred to as a continuation or radicalization of classical liberalism . The most important of these early right-libertarian philosophers were modern American libertarians such as Robert Nozick and Murray Rothbard . Although often sharing
17202-463: The United States, the term libertarian was popularized by the individualist anarchist Benjamin Tucker around the late 1870s and early 1880s. Libertarianism as a synonym for liberalism was popularized in May 1955 by writer Dean Russell, a colleague of Leonard Read and a classical liberal himself. Russell justified the choice of the term as follows: Many of us call ourselves "liberals." And it
17385-414: The United States, the term libertarian was popularized by the individualist anarchist Benjamin Tucker around the late 1870s and early 1880s. Libertarianism as a synonym for liberalism was popularized in May 1955 by writer Dean Russell, a colleague of Leonard Read and a classical liberal himself. Russell justified the choice of the term as follows: Many of us call ourselves "liberals." And it
17568-448: The abolishment of public amenities is a common theme in right-libertarian writings. While associated with free-market capitalism, right-libertarianism is not opposed in principle to voluntary egalitarianism and socialism . However, right-libertarians believe that their advocated economic system would prove superior and that people would prefer it to socialism. For Nozick, it does not imply support of capitalism, but merely that capitalism
17751-458: The appropriation of land must leave " enough and as good " for others or be taxed by society to compensate for the exclusionary effects of private property. Socialist libertarians such as social and individualist anarchists , libertarian Marxists , council communists , Luxemburgists and De Leonists promote usufruct and socialist economic theories, including communism , collectivism , syndicalism and mutualism . They criticize
17934-458: The appropriation of land must leave " enough and as good " for others or be taxed by society to compensate for the exclusionary effects of private property. Socialist libertarians such as social and individualist anarchists , libertarian Marxists , council communists , Luxemburgists and De Leonists promote usufruct and socialist economic theories, including communism , collectivism , syndicalism and mutualism . They criticize
18117-479: The associations they joined as this would facilitate happiness. Anarchist communist philosopher Joseph Déjacque was the first person to describe himself as a libertarian in an 1857 letter. Unlike mutualist anarchist philosopher Pierre-Joseph Proudhon , he argued that "it is not the product of his or her labor that the worker has a right to, but to the satisfaction of his or her needs, whatever may be their nature". According to anarchist historian Max Nettlau ,
18300-479: The associations they joined as this would facilitate happiness. Anarchist communist philosopher Joseph Déjacque was the first person to describe himself as a libertarian in an 1857 letter. Unlike mutualist anarchist philosopher Pierre-Joseph Proudhon , he argued that "it is not the product of his or her labor that the worker has a right to, but to the satisfaction of his or her needs, whatever may be their nature". According to anarchist historian Max Nettlau ,
18483-490: The better-known version of libertarianism—right-libertarianism—, there is also a version known as 'left-libertarianism. Both endorse full self-ownership, but they differ with respect to the powers agents have to appropriate unappropriated natural resources (land, air, water, etc.). Right-libertarians are distinguished from left-libertarians by their relation to property and capital . While both left-libertarianism and right-libertarianism share general antipathy towards power by
18666-419: The book Thinking, Fast and Slow , Daniel Kahneman provides the brief summary: "Thaler and Sunstein advocate a position of libertarian paternalism, in which the state and other institutions are allowed to nudge people to make decisions that serve their own long-term interests. The designation of joining a pension plan as the default option is an example of a nudge. It is difficult to argue that anyone's freedom
18849-419: The book Thinking, Fast and Slow , Daniel Kahneman provides the brief summary: "Thaler and Sunstein advocate a position of libertarian paternalism, in which the state and other institutions are allowed to nudge people to make decisions that serve their own long-term interests. The designation of joining a pension plan as the default option is an example of a nudge. It is difficult to argue that anyone's freedom
19032-407: The communist or syndicalist variety. But now we had taken it over". In the 1970s, Robert Nozick was responsible for popularizing this usage of the term in academic and philosophical circles outside the United States, especially with the publication of Anarchy, State, and Utopia (1974), a response to social liberal John Rawls 's A Theory of Justice (1971). In the book, Nozick proposed
19215-407: The communist or syndicalist variety. But now we had taken it over". In the 1970s, Robert Nozick was responsible for popularizing this usage of the term in academic and philosophical circles outside the United States, especially with the publication of Anarchy, State, and Utopia (1974), a response to social liberal John Rawls 's A Theory of Justice (1971). In the book, Nozick proposed
19398-578: The concept of "self-mastery" as the foundation of a system supporting individual rights. Early Christian sects such as the Waldensians displayed libertarian attitudes. In 17th-century England, libertarian ideas began to take modern form in the writings of the Levellers and John Locke . In the middle of that century, opponents of royal power began to be called Whigs , or sometimes simply Opposition or Country, as opposed to Court writers. During
19581-463: The concept of "self-mastery" as the foundation of a system supporting individual rights. Early Christian sects such as the Waldensians displayed libertarian attitudes. In 17th-century England, libertarian ideas began to take modern form in the writings of the Levellers and John Locke . In the middle of that century, opponents of royal power began to be called Whigs , or sometimes simply Opposition or Country, as opposed to Court writers. During
19764-446: The consent of, or owing to, others (e.g. a land value tax ). Right-libertarians are also referred to as propertarians because they hold that societies in which private property rights are enforced are the only ones that are both ethical and lead to the best possible outcomes. They generally support free-market capitalism and are not opposed to any concentrations of economic power, provided it occurs through non-coercive means. There
19947-470: The consent of, or owing to, others. Samuel Edward Konkin III , who characterized agorism as a form of left-libertarianism and strategic branch of left-wing market anarchism , defined right-libertarianism as an "activist, organization, publication or tendency which supports parliamentarianism exclusively as a strategy for reducing or abolishing the state , typically opposes Counter-Economics , either opposes
20130-446: The correct interpretation of any ethical stance because they do not hold the same ethical stance. Libertarianism Libertarianism (from French : libertaire , itself from the Latin : libertas , lit. 'freedom') is a political philosophy that holds freedom as its primary value. Many libertarians conceive of freedom in accord with the Non-Aggression Principle , according to which each individual has
20313-946: The early 20th century after the Great Depression and with the New Deal . Since the 1970s, this classical liberal form of libertarianism has spread beyond the United States, with libertarian or right-libertarian parties being established in the United Kingdom , Israel , South Africa , Argentina , and many other countries. After the fall of the Soviet Union , which caused many people to give up on Marxism or state socialism , libertarian socialism also grew in popularity and influence, alongside left-wing anti-war , anti-capitalist and anti- and alter-globalisation movements. In 2022, former student activist and self-described libertarian socialist Gabriel Boric became head of state of Chile after winning
20496-756: The early 20th century after the Great Depression and with the New Deal . Since the 1970s, this classical liberal form of libertarianism has spread beyond the United States, with libertarian or right-libertarian parties being established in the United Kingdom , Israel , South Africa , Argentina , and many other countries. After the fall of the Soviet Union , which caused many people to give up on Marxism or state socialism , libertarian socialism also grew in popularity and influence, alongside left-wing anti-war , anti-capitalist and anti- and alter-globalisation movements. In 2022, former student activist and self-described libertarian socialist Gabriel Boric became head of state of Chile after winning
20679-488: The economy. According to Sheldon Richman of the Independent Institute , other left-libertarians "prefer that corporate privileges be repealed before the regulatory restrictions on how those privileges may be exercised". Libertarian paternalism is a position advocated in the international bestseller Nudge by two American scholars, namely the economist Richard Thaler and the jurist Cass Sunstein . In
20862-416: The economy. According to Sheldon Richman of the Independent Institute , other left-libertarians "prefer that corporate privileges be repealed before the regulatory restrictions on how those privileges may be exercised". Libertarian paternalism is a position advocated in the international bestseller Nudge by two American scholars, namely the economist Richard Thaler and the jurist Cass Sunstein . In
21045-657: The elimination of the state in favor of privately funded security services while minarchists defend night-watchman states which maintain only those functions of government necessary to safeguard natural rights, understood in terms of self-ownership or autonomy. Left-libertarianism encompasses those libertarian beliefs that claim the Earth's natural resources belong to everyone in an egalitarian manner, either unowned or owned collectively. Contemporary left-libertarians such as Hillel Steiner , Peter Vallentyne , Philippe Van Parijs , Michael Otsuka and David Ellerman believe
21228-605: The elimination of the state in favor of privately funded security services while minarchists defend night-watchman states which maintain only those functions of government necessary to safeguard natural rights, understood in terms of self-ownership or autonomy. Left-libertarianism encompasses those libertarian beliefs that claim the Earth's natural resources belong to everyone in an egalitarian manner, either unowned or owned collectively. Contemporary left-libertarians such as Hillel Steiner , Peter Vallentyne , Philippe Van Parijs , Michael Otsuka and David Ellerman believe
21411-421: The executive and legislative branches, fire departments and prisons. These minarchists justify the state on the grounds that it is the logical consequence of adhering to the non-aggression principle. Some minarchists argue that a state is inevitable, believing anarchy to be futile. Others argue that anarchy is immoral because it implies that the non-aggression principle is optional and not sufficient to enforce
21594-429: The first person who discovers them, mixes his labor with them , or merely claims them—without the consent of others, and with little or no payment to them". This contrasts with left-libertarianism in which "unappropriated natural resources belong to everyone in some egalitarian manner". Right-libertarians believe that natural resources are originally unowned and therefore private parties may appropriate them at will without
21777-530: The first person who discovers them, mixes her labor with them, or merely claims them—without the consent of others, and with little or no payment to them". He contrasts this with left-libertarianism , where such "unappropriated natural resources belong to everyone in some egalitarian manner". Similarly, Charlotte and Lawrence Becker maintain that right-libertarianism most often refers to the political position that because natural resources are originally unowned, they may be appropriated at will by private parties without
21960-534: The first use of the term libertarian communism was in November 1880, when a French anarchist congress employed it to identify its doctrines more clearly. The French anarchist journalist Sébastien Faure started the weekly paper Le Libertaire ( The Libertarian ) in 1895. The revolutionary wave of 1917–1923 saw the active participation of anarchists in Russia and Europe. Russian anarchists participated alongside
22143-425: The first use of the term libertarian communism was in November 1880, when a French anarchist congress employed it to identify its doctrines more clearly. The French anarchist journalist Sébastien Faure started the weekly paper Le Libertaire ( The Libertarian ) in 1895. The revolutionary wave of 1917–1923 saw the active participation of anarchists in Russia and Europe. Russian anarchists participated alongside
22326-604: The former. In most of the world, this particular political position is mostly known as classical liberalism , economic liberalism and neoliberalism . It is mainly associated with right-wing politics , support for free markets and private ownership of capital goods. Furthermore, it is usually contrasted with similar ideologies such as social democracy and social liberalism which generally favor alternative forms of capitalism such as mixed economies , state capitalism and welfare capitalism . Peter Vallentyne writes that libertarianism, defined as being about self-ownership ,
22509-409: The forms of libertarianism into two groups, namely left-libertarianism and right-libertarianism, to distinguish libertarian views on the nature of property and capital . The term libertarian was first used by late Enlightenment freethinkers, referring to those who believed in free will , as opposed to necessity, a now-disused philosophy that posited a kind of determinism. The word libertarian
22692-507: The freedom of the many from the potential tyranny of an overly selfish and powerful few. Nozick suggested that citizens who are opposed to wealth redistribution which fund programs they object to should be able to opt-out by supporting alternative government-approved charities with an added 5% surcharge. Nonetheless, Nozick did not stop from self-identifying as a libertarian in a broad sense and Julian Sanchez has argued that his views simply became more nuanced. The non-aggression principle (NAP)
22875-569: The general public to understand the debates among the political elites. Common Sense was immensely popular in disseminating these ideas, selling hundreds of thousands of copies. Paine would later write the Rights of Man and The Age of Reason and participate in the French Revolution . Paine's theory of property showed a "libertarian concern" with the unequal distribution of resources under statism. In 1793, William Godwin wrote
23058-451: The general public to understand the debates among the political elites. Common Sense was immensely popular in disseminating these ideas, selling hundreds of thousands of copies. Paine would later write the Rights of Man and The Age of Reason and participate in the French Revolution . Paine's theory of property showed a "libertarian concern" with the unequal distribution of resources under statism. In 1793, William Godwin wrote
23241-619: The higher-law concepts of the Greeks and the Israelites , and Christian theologians who argued for the moral worth of the individual and the division of the world into two realms, one of which is the province of God and thus beyond the power of states to control it. The right-libertarian economist Murray Rothbard suggested that Chinese Taoist philosopher Laozi was the first libertarian, likening Laozi's ideas on government to Friedrich Hayek 's theory of spontaneous order . Similarly,
23424-509: The higher-law concepts of the Greeks and the Israelites , and Christian theologians who argued for the moral worth of the individual and the division of the world into two realms, one of which is the province of God and thus beyond the power of states to control it. The right-libertarian economist Murray Rothbard suggested that Chinese Taoist philosopher Laozi was the first libertarian, likening Laozi's ideas on government to Friedrich Hayek 's theory of spontaneous order . Similarly,
23607-1063: The issue that has divided libertarian philosophies. According to Jennifer Carlson, right-libertarianism is the dominant form of libertarianism in the United States . Right-libertarians "see strong private property rights as the basis for freedom and thus are—to quote the title of Brian Doherty 's text on libertarianism in the United States—" Radicals for Capitalism ". Herbert Kitschelt and Anthony J. McGann contrast right-libertarianism—"a strategy that combines pro-market positions with opposition to hierarchical authority, support of unconventional political participation, and endorsement of feminism and of environmentalism"—with right-authoritarianism . Mark Bevir holds that there are three types of libertarianism, namely left, right and consequentialist libertarianism as promoted by Friedrich Hayek . According to contemporary American libertarian Walter Block , left-libertarians and right-libertarians agree with certain libertarian premises, but "where [they] differ
23790-443: The late 20th century while historically and elsewhere it continues to be widely used to refer to anti-state forms of socialism such as anarchism and more generally libertarian communism / libertarian Marxism and libertarian socialism . Around the time of Murray Rothbard , who popularized the term libertarian in the United States during the 1960s, anarcho-capitalist movements started calling themselves libertarian , leading to
23973-469: The left and the right, respectively, although this latter point has been criticized. Other libertarians reject the separation of personal and economic liberty or argue that the Nolan Chart gives no weight to foreign policy. Since the resurgence of neoliberalism in the 1970s, right-libertarianism has spread beyond North America via think tanks and political parties. In the United States, libertarianism
24156-635: The left or right, other American libertarians such as Kevin Carson , Karl Hess , and Roderick T. Long have written about libertarianism's left-wing opposition to authoritarian rule and argued that libertarianism is fundamentally a left-wing position. Rothbard himself previously made the same point. The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy defines libertarianism as the moral view that agents initially fully own themselves and have certain moral powers to acquire property rights in external things. Libertarian historian George Woodcock defines libertarianism as
24339-582: The left or right, other American libertarians such as Kevin Carson , Karl Hess , and Roderick T. Long have written about libertarianism's left-wing opposition to authoritarian rule and argued that libertarianism is fundamentally a left-wing position. Rothbard himself previously made the same point. The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy defines libertarianism as the moral view that agents initially fully own themselves and have certain moral powers to acquire property rights in external things. Libertarian historian George Woodcock defines libertarianism as
24522-480: The legalization of victimless crimes such as the use of marijuana while opposing high levels of taxation and government spending on health, welfare, and education. Libertarians also support a foreign policy of non-interventionism . Libertarian was adopted in the United States, where liberal had become associated with a version that supports extensive government spending on social policies. Libertarian may also refer to an anarchist ideology that developed in
24705-480: The legalization of victimless crimes such as the use of marijuana while opposing high levels of taxation and government spending on health, welfare, and education. Libertarians also support a foreign policy of non-interventionism . Libertarian was adopted in the United States, where liberal had become associated with a version that supports extensive government spending on social policies. Libertarian may also refer to an anarchist ideology that developed in
24888-513: The liberal challenges to an "absolute central State and a king ruling by divine right on top of an older, restrictive web of feudal land monopolies and urban guild controls and restrictions" as well as the mercantilism of a bureaucratic warfaring state allied with privileged merchants. The object of liberals was individual liberty in the economy, in personal freedoms and civil liberty, separation of state and religion and peace as an alternative to imperial aggrandizement. He cites Locke's contemporaries,
25071-513: The liberal challenges to an "absolute central State and a king ruling by divine right on top of an older, restrictive web of feudal land monopolies and urban guild controls and restrictions" as well as the mercantilism of a bureaucratic warfaring state allied with privileged merchants. The object of liberals was individual liberty in the economy, in personal freedoms and civil liberty, separation of state and religion and peace as an alternative to imperial aggrandizement. He cites Locke's contemporaries,
25254-399: The libertarian magazine Reason , libertarian populists oppose "big government" while also opposing "other large, centralized institutions" and advocate "tak[ing] an axe to the thicket of corporate subsidies, favors, and bailouts, clearing our way to an economy where businesses that can't make money serving customers don't have the option of wringing profits from the taxpayers instead". In
25437-399: The libertarian magazine Reason , libertarian populists oppose "big government" while also opposing "other large, centralized institutions" and advocate "tak[ing] an axe to the thicket of corporate subsidies, favors, and bailouts, clearing our way to an economy where businesses that can't make money serving customers don't have the option of wringing profits from the taxpayers instead". In
25620-541: The market process as counterproductive, emphasizing the mechanisms and self-regulating nature of the market whilst portraying government intervention and attempts to redistribute wealth as invariably unnecessary and counter-productive. Although all right-libertarians oppose government intervention, there is a division between anarcho-capitalists , who view the state as an unnecessary evil and want property rights protected without statutory law through market-generated tort, contract and property law; and minarchists, who support
25803-449: The mid- to late 19th century. With the modern development of right-libertarian ideologies such as anarcho-capitalism and minarchism co-opting the term libertarian in the mid-20th century to instead advocate laissez-faire capitalism and strong private property rights such as in land, infrastructure and natural resources, the terms left-libertarianism and right-libertarianism have been used more often as to differentiate between
25986-493: The mid-19th century, libertarianism originated as a form of anti-authoritarian and anti-state politics usually seen as being on the left (like socialists and anarchists especially social anarchists , but more generally libertarian communists / Marxists and libertarian socialists ). Along with seeking to abolish or reduce the power of the State, these libertarians sought to abolish capitalism and private ownership of
26169-441: The mid-19th century, libertarianism originated as a form of anti-authoritarian and anti-state politics usually seen as being on the left (like socialists and anarchists especially social anarchists , but more generally libertarian communists / Marxists and libertarian socialists ). Along with seeking to abolish or reduce the power of the State, these libertarians sought to abolish capitalism and private ownership of
26352-573: The moderate left such as social democracy or authoritarian and statist socialism, its meaning has evolved during the past half century, with broader adoption by ideologically disparate groups, including some viewed as right-wing by older users of the term. As a term, libertarian can include both the New Left Marxists (who do not associate with a vanguard party ) and extreme liberals (primarily concerned with civil liberties ) or civil libertarians . Additionally, some libertarians use
26535-506: The moderate left such as social democracy or authoritarian and statist socialism, its meaning has evolved during the past half century, with broader adoption by ideologically disparate groups, including some viewed as right-wing by older users of the term. As a term, libertarian can include both the New Left Marxists (who do not associate with a vanguard party ) and extreme liberals (primarily concerned with civil liberties ) or civil libertarians . Additionally, some libertarians use
26718-469: The modern world in his writings published before and after the English Revolution of 1688 , especially A Letter Concerning Toleration (1667), Two Treatises of Government (1689) and An Essay Concerning Human Understanding (1690). In the text of 1689, he established the basis of liberal political theory, i.e. that people's rights existed before government; that the purpose of government
26901-401: The modern world in his writings published before and after the English Revolution of 1688 , especially A Letter Concerning Toleration (1667), Two Treatises of Government (1689) and An Essay Concerning Human Understanding (1690). In the text of 1689, he established the basis of liberal political theory, i.e. that people's rights existed before government; that the purpose of government
27084-399: The nature of property and capital . In the United States, proponents of free-market anti-capitalism consciously label themselves as left-libertarians and see themselves as being part of a broad libertarian left. Libertarianism is a "[t]heory upholding...[individual] rights...above all else" and seeks to "reduce" the power of a state or states, especially ones a libertarian lives in or
27267-399: The nature of property and capital . In the United States, proponents of free-market anti-capitalism consciously label themselves as left-libertarians and see themselves as being part of a broad libertarian left. Libertarianism is a "[t]heory upholding...[individual] rights...above all else" and seeks to "reduce" the power of a state or states, especially ones a libertarian lives in or
27450-537: The nature of property and capital, usually along left–right or socialist–capitalist lines. While all libertarians support some level of individual rights , left-libertarians differ by supporting an egalitarian redistribution of natural resources. Left-libertarian ideologies include anarchist schools of thought , alongside many other anti- paternalist and New Left schools of thought centered around economic egalitarianism as well as geolibertarianism , green politics , market-oriented left-libertarianism and
27633-537: The nature of property and capital, usually along left–right or socialist–capitalist lines. While all libertarians support some level of individual rights , left-libertarians differ by supporting an egalitarian redistribution of natural resources. Left-libertarian ideologies include anarchist schools of thought , alongside many other anti- paternalist and New Left schools of thought centered around economic egalitarianism as well as geolibertarianism , green politics , market-oriented left-libertarianism and
27816-468: The nature of values over whether or not the state is moral is not due to a disagreement over the correct interpretation of a mutually held ethical stance. He argues that the disagreement between these two groups is instead the result of their disagreement over the nature of human consciousness and that each group is making the correct interpretation of their differing premises. According to Kroy, these two groups are not making any errors with respect to deducing
27999-402: The need for a minimal state, often referred to as a night-watchman state , to provide its citizens with courts , military , and police . Like libertarians of all varieties, right-libertarians refer to themselves simply as libertarians . Being the most common type of libertarianism in the United States , right-libertarianism has become the most common referent of libertarianism there since
28182-629: The non-aggression principle because the enforcement of laws under anarchy is open to competition. Another common justification is that private defense agencies and court firms would tend to represent the interests of those who pay them enough. Right-libertarians such as anarcho-capitalists argue that the state violates the non-aggression principle by its nature because governments use force against those who have not stolen or vandalized private property, assaulted anyone, or committed fraud. Others argue that monopolies tend to be corrupt and inefficient and that private defense and court agencies would have to have
28365-532: The older libertarian ideal of a night watchman state or minarchism. Sterba held that it is "obviously impossible for everyone in society to be guaranteed complete liberty as defined by this ideal: after all, people's actual wants as well as their conceivable wants can come into serious conflict. [...] [I]t is also impossible for everyone in society to be completely free from the interference of other persons." In 2013, Sterba wrote, "I shall show that moral commitment to an ideal of 'negative' liberty, which does not lead to
28548-532: The older libertarian ideal of a night watchman state or minarchism. Sterba held that it is "obviously impossible for everyone in society to be guaranteed complete liberty as defined by this ideal: after all, people's actual wants as well as their conceivable wants can come into serious conflict. [...] [I]t is also impossible for everyone in society to be completely free from the interference of other persons." In 2013, Sterba wrote, "I shall show that moral commitment to an ideal of 'negative' liberty, which does not lead to
28731-433: The philosophy that fundamentally doubts authority and advocates transforming society by reform or revolution. Libertarian philosopher Roderick T. Long defines libertarianism as "any political position that advocates a radical redistribution of power from the coercive state to voluntary associations of free individuals", whether "voluntary association" takes the form of the free market or of communal co-operatives. According to
28914-433: The philosophy that fundamentally doubts authority and advocates transforming society by reform or revolution. Libertarian philosopher Roderick T. Long defines libertarianism as "any political position that advocates a radical redistribution of power from the coercive state to voluntary associations of free individuals", whether "voluntary association" takes the form of the free market or of communal co-operatives. According to
29097-400: The political right. Meanwhile, some proponents of free-market anti-capitalism in the United States consciously label themselves as left-libertarians and see themselves as part of a broad libertarian left. While the term libertarian had been substantially synonymous with anarchism and seen by many as part of the left, continuing today as part of the libertarian left in opposition to
29280-400: The political right. Meanwhile, some proponents of free-market anti-capitalism in the United States consciously label themselves as left-libertarians and see themselves as part of a broad libertarian left. While the term libertarian had been substantially synonymous with anarchism and seen by many as part of the left, continuing today as part of the libertarian left in opposition to
29463-620: The principal founder of the Libertarian Party , developed what is now known as the Nolan Chart to replace the traditional left-right political spectrum. The Nolan Chart has been used by several modern American libertarians and right-libertarians who reject the traditional political spectrum for its lack of inclusivity and see themselves as north-of-center. It is used in an effort to quantify typical libertarian views that support both free markets and social liberties and reject what they see as restrictions on economic and personal freedom imposed by
29646-475: The principles of equality before the law and the protection of civil rights , including the rights to freedom of association , freedom of speech , freedom of thought and freedom of choice . They generally support individual liberty and oppose authority , state power, warfare , militarism and nationalism , but some libertarians diverge on the scope of their opposition to existing economic and political systems . Schools of libertarian thought offer
29829-587: The protection of an individual's freedom from powers of government and private ownership. In contrast, while condemning governmental encroachment on personal liberties, modern American libertarians support freedoms based on their agreement with private property rights. The abolition or privatization of amenities or entitlements controlled by the government is a common theme in modern American libertarian writings. According to modern American libertarian Walter Block , left-libertarians and right-libertarians agree with certain libertarian premises, but "where [they] differ
30012-587: The protection of an individual's freedom from powers of government and private ownership. In contrast, while condemning governmental encroachment on personal liberties, modern American libertarians support freedoms based on their agreement with private property rights. The abolition or privatization of amenities or entitlements controlled by the government is a common theme in modern American libertarian writings. According to modern American libertarian Walter Block , left-libertarians and right-libertarians agree with certain libertarian premises, but "where [they] differ
30195-516: The replacement of all state institutions with private alternatives. During this time period, the term "libertarian" became used by growing numbers of people to advocate laissez-faire capitalism and strong private property rights such as in land, infrastructure and natural resources. This libertarianism, a revival of classical liberalism in the United States , occurred due to other American liberals abandoning classical liberalism and embracing progressivism and economic interventionism in
30378-516: The replacement of all state institutions with private alternatives. During this time period, the term "libertarian" became used by growing numbers of people to advocate laissez-faire capitalism and strong private property rights such as in land, infrastructure and natural resources. This libertarianism, a revival of classical liberalism in the United States , occurred due to other American liberals abandoning classical liberalism and embracing progressivism and economic interventionism in
30561-612: The right to live as they choose, so long as it does not involve violating the rights of others by initiating force or fraud against them. Libertarians advocate for the expansion of individual autonomy and political self-determination , emphasizing the principles of equality before the law and the protection of civil rights , including the rights to freedom of association , freedom of speech , freedom of thought and freedom of choice . They generally support individual liberty and oppose authority , state power, warfare , militarism and nationalism , but some libertarians diverge on
30744-410: The rise of the term right-libertarian to distinguish them. Rothbard himself acknowledged the co-opting of the term and boasted of its "capture [...] from the enemy". People described as being left-libertarian or right-libertarian generally tend to call themselves simply libertarians and refer to their philosophy as libertarianism . In light of this, some authors and political scientists classify
30927-548: The scope of their opposition to existing economic and political systems . Schools of libertarian thought offer a range of views regarding the legitimate functions of state and non-state power . Different categorizations have been used to distinguish these various forms of libertarianism. Scholars have identified distinct libertarian perspectives on the nature of property and capital , typically delineating them along left–right or socialist – capitalist axes. Libertarianism has been broadly shaped by liberal ideas. In
31110-404: The state for being the defender of private property and believe capitalism entails wage slavery and another form of coercion and domination related to that of the state. There are a number of different left-libertarian positions on the state, which can range from advocating for its complete abolition to advocating for a more decentralized and limited government with social ownership of
31293-404: The state for being the defender of private property and believe capitalism entails wage slavery and another form of coercion and domination related to that of the state. There are a number of different left-libertarian positions on the state, which can range from advocating for its complete abolition to advocating for a more decentralized and limited government with social ownership of
31476-475: The term libertarian socialist to avoid anarchism's negative connotations and emphasize its connections with socialism. The revival of free-market ideologies during the mid-to-late 20th century came with disagreement over what to call the movement. While many believers in economic freedom prefer the term libertarian , some free-market conservatives reject the term's association with the 1960s New Left and its connotations of libertine hedonism. The movement
31659-475: The term libertarian socialist to avoid anarchism's negative connotations and emphasize its connections with socialism. The revival of free-market ideologies during the mid-to-late 20th century came with disagreement over what to call the movement. While many believers in economic freedom prefer the term libertarian , some free-market conservatives reject the term's association with the 1960s New Left and its connotations of libertine hedonism. The movement
31842-597: The term libertarian was in 1789, when William Belsham wrote about libertarianism in the context of metaphysics. As early as 1796, libertarian came to mean an advocate or defender of liberty, in the sense of a supporter of republicanism , when the London Packet printed on 12 February the following: "Lately marched out of the Prison at Bristol, 450 of the French Libertarians". It was again used in
32025-410: The term libertarian was in 1789, when William Belsham wrote about libertarianism in the context of metaphysics. As early as 1796, libertarian came to mean an advocate or defender of liberty, in the sense of a supporter of republicanism , when the London Packet printed on 12 February the following: "Lately marched out of the Prison at Bristol, 450 of the French Libertarians". It was again used in
32208-638: The term for his anarchist publication Le Libertaire, Journal du mouvement social ( Libertarian: Journal of Social Movement ) which was printed from 9 June 1858 to 4 February 1861 in New York City. Sébastien Faure , another French libertarian communist, began publishing a new Le Libertaire in the mid-1890s while France's Third Republic enacted the so-called villainous laws ( lois scélérates ) which banned anarchist publications in France. Libertarianism has frequently been used to refer to anarchism and libertarian socialism since this time. In
32391-575: The term for his anarchist publication Le Libertaire, Journal du mouvement social ( Libertarian: Journal of Social Movement ) which was printed from 9 June 1858 to 4 February 1861 in New York City. Sébastien Faure , another French libertarian communist, began publishing a new Le Libertaire in the mid-1890s while France's Third Republic enacted the so-called villainous laws ( lois scélérates ) which banned anarchist publications in France. Libertarianism has frequently been used to refer to anarchism and libertarian socialism since this time. In
32574-432: The two. Socialist libertarianism has been included within a broad left-libertarianism while right-libertarianism mainly refers to laissez-faire capitalism such as Murray Rothbard 's anarcho-capitalism and Robert Nozick 's minarchism. Right-libertarianism has been described as combining individual freedom and opposition to the state, with strong support for free markets and private property . Property rights have been
32757-403: The uncorrupted classical sense. At best, this is awkward and subject to misunderstanding. Here is a suggestion: Let those of us who love liberty trade-mark and reserve for our own use the good and honorable word "libertarian." Subsequently, many Americans with classical liberal beliefs began to describe themselves as libertarians . One person who popularized the term libertarian in this sense
32940-403: The uncorrupted classical sense. At best, this is awkward and subject to misunderstanding. Here is a suggestion: Let those of us who love liberty trade-mark and reserve for our own use the good and honorable word "libertarian." Subsequently, many Americans with classical liberal beliefs began to describe themselves as libertarians . One person who popularized the term libertarian in this sense
33123-473: The word libertarian by describing its meaning as "an advocate of the doctrine of free will "and, taking a broad definition, also says that he is" a person who holds the principles of individual freedom especially in thought and action ". Many decades later, libertarian was a term used by the French libertarian communist Joseph Déjacque to mean a form of left-wing politics that has been frequently used to refer to anarchism and libertarian socialism since
33306-404: Was Murray Rothbard , who began publishing libertarian works in the 1960s. Rothbard described this modern use of the words overtly as a "capture" from his enemies, writing that "for the first time in my memory, we, 'our side,' had captured a crucial word from the enemy. 'Libertarians' had long been simply a polite word for left-wing anarchists, that is for anti-private property anarchists, either of
33489-404: Was Murray Rothbard , who began publishing libertarian works in the 1960s. Rothbard described this modern use of the words overtly as a "capture" from his enemies, writing that "for the first time in my memory, we, 'our side,' had captured a crucial word from the enemy. 'Libertarians' had long been simply a polite word for left-wing anarchists, that is for anti-private property anarchists, either of
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