libertarians

Libertarians are adherents of libertarianism, a political philosophy that emphasizes individual liberty, voluntary association, and limited government power. Core ideas include strong protection of civil liberties, freedom of speech and association, rule of law, private property, and voluntary exchange in commerce. Economically, libertarians generally advocate free markets and minimal state intervention, arguing that voluntary exchange allocates resources more efficiently than central planning. In social and foreign policy, they tend to oppose coercive government action, favor non-intervention abroad and reforms designed to reduce state control over personal lives.

There are several strands within libertarian thought. Minarchists argue the government should handle defense, police, and courts. Anarcho-capitalists advocate abolishing the state and replacing public functions with private institutions and market mechanisms. Left-libertarians emphasize anti-authoritarian approaches to property and social justice, sometimes supporting universal basic income or commons-based arrangements. In the United States, libertarian often denotes a movement that champions economic liberalization and civil liberties; the Libertarian Party, founded in 1971, is the best-known organization, though libertarian ideas appear across mainstream parties as well. Similar currents exist in other countries with varying influence.

Historically, libertarian ideas trace to classical liberalism and the Enlightenment, with figures such as John Locke, Adam Smith, and John Stuart Mill laying groundwork. In the 20th century, economists and philosophers Friedrich Hayek, Ludwig von Mises, and Robert Nozick contributed to modern libertarian thought, while Murray Rothbard helped formalize anarcho-capitalist strands.

Critics argue that libertarian policies can underprovide public goods, neglect social inequality, and ignore market externalities. Proponents counter that voluntary associations, competition, and robust constitutional protections can address these concerns more effectively than coercive state power. Libertarianism has influenced policy debates around deregulation, taxation, privatization, and civil liberties, and remains a persistent influence in some political parties and policy institutes.