libertarianism

Libertarianism is a political philosophy that places individual liberty at its center and argues for a limited role for government. It maintains that people should be free to pursue their own lives so long as they do not infringe the rights of others, and that coercive power should be restricted to protecting persons and property from aggression, fraud, and breach of contract.

A central principle is the non-aggression principle, which forbids the initiation of force except in self-defense or in defense of others. Property rights are often defended as extensions of self-ownership and voluntary exchange. Libertarians generally favor free markets, voluntary association, and civil liberties, while disagreeing on how to finance public goods and services. Some emphasize a minimal state, limited to police, courts, and national defense (minarchism); others argue that all functions of government could be provided by private or voluntary institutions (anarcho-capitalism).

Within libertarianism there are variations, including left-libertarianism, which foregrounds social justice or anti-monopoly concerns alongside individual rights, and right-libertarianism, which stresses market-based arrangements and strong property rights. Influential writings and thinkers include classical liberal predecessors in the Enlightenment, as well as 20th-century figures such as Robert Nozick and Murray Rothbard; Rand’s ethics and libertarian-leaning positions are influential in some strands.

Libertarian ideas have influenced contemporary politics and policy debates on taxation, regulation, drug policy, and civil liberties. Critics argue that libertarianism can underprovide public goods, neglect social safety nets, or inadequately address inequalities. Proponents counter that voluntary associations and competitive institutions can coordinate better and protect rights without coercive government.