The Fundamental Contradictions in Anarchism and Libertarianism
A look at two ideologies that are shaping political discourse
This is a difficult conversation to have, especially because it is so laden with emotions and misperceptions. These are not detached, academic topics— these two ideologies are woven into the fabric of politics today. My discussion here, a product of years of research and comparative politics, is to try to explain in direct, nonrecondite terms, what lurks beneath anarchism and libertarianism, and most importantly, the fundamental contradictions that lie at the core of these ideologies that lead to their pernicious effects.
What We’re Talking About
I’m serious. I’m going to be blunt. Important topics deserve honest truths.
Anarchism. Some say it is a philosophy. In the broadest sense of the term, “philosophy,” yes, anarchism is something that can be expressed in language that sounds philosophical, but it can’t survive philosophical inquiry. That’s because anarchism is a rabble of emotional petulance elevated to an ideology that remains oblivious to what it means to be human.
Libertarianism is a philosophy, or at least, it can be. Libertarian philosophers such as Robert Nozick offer a clear and coherent argument. But it is…
