Libertariansk

Libertariansk is the Swedish term for libertarian or libertarianism, a family of political philosophies that prioritizes individual liberty and voluntary cooperation, often with a preference for limited government. Proponents argue that individuals should be free to live as they choose, provided they do not infringe on the rights of others, and that markets and private associations are the best means to organize society.

Core ideas typically include respect for private property, freedom of contract, civil liberties, and the rule of law. Many libertarians advocate a state limited to protecting rights—police, courts, and defense in the minimal state model—while others favor anarcho-capitalism, where all services are provided by private entities. Variants also exist along a liberal spectrum, such as left-libertarianism, which emphasizes social justice within a framework of liberty, and right-libertarianism, which emphasizes free markets and property rights.

Historically, libertarian thought draws on Enlightenment and classical liberal ideas from thinkers like John Locke and Adam Smith. In the 20th century, economists and philosophers such as Ludwig von Mises, Friedrich Hayek, Murray Rothbard, and Robert Nozick shaped contemporary debates. The term libertarian gained prominence in the English-speaking world in the mid-20th century and is used in many languages, including Swedish, to describe this philosophical tradition.

In public policy, libertarian perspectives tend to favor deregulation, low taxation, privatization, and limited welfare programs, often advocating non-interventionist foreign policy. Critics argue that extreme forms can neglect public goods, generate inequality, or weaken protections for vulnerable groups.