Libertarianism’s American Fate

The reason libertarianism never took hold in America is actually pretty simple: the political system, the corporate establishment, and a large portion of the American public have very little incentive to make it happen.

The alliance between politicians, the giant corporations that finance them, and the enormous government bureaucracy we have created is not some accidental flaw in the system. In many respects, it is the system. The people and institutions that benefit from government spending, regulation, subsidies, contracts, and political influence have no particular interest in dismantling the machinery that benefits them.

And who, exactly, is demanding a libertarian revolution? Outside a relatively small group of ideologues, a few scattered professors, and people associated with organizations like the Mises Institute, no mass movement demands dramatically less government and more individual liberty.

Nobody had to force Americans at gunpoint to accept the system we have. Unlike Mao’s China, where socialism was imposed through revolutionary violence, Americans have repeatedly elected politicians who promise more government, more programs, and more protection.

Recent events have made that clear. Millions of Americans support government-funded college and healthcare. Many have been comfortable with government mandates during public-health emergencies. Many favor greater regulation of what can be said on social-media platforms. And as artificial intelligence develops, there is already growing interest in ideas such as universal basic income.

So, my fellow Americans, get this through your thick skulls: libertarianism isn’t failing because someone forgot to explain it properly to America. It hasn’t become a dominant political movement because there isn’t a sufficiently large constituency demanding it.

I personally wish there were.

Of all the major political philosophies available to us today, libertarianism comes closest to the American ideal of individual liberty and limited government that I believe the Founders, particularly Thomas Jefferson, envisioned. But wishing for something doesn’t make it politically viable.

If you’re waiting for a great libertarian resurgence, I’d suggest saving your energy.

America today is far more likely to move toward some form of increased collectivism than to return to the political philosophy of the early Republic. The irony is that the very freedom that makes libertarianism possible also allows people to voluntarily vote for the government programs, restrictions, and protections that ultimately make libertarianism less likely.

That’s the uncomfortable reality libertarians need to confront: the problem isn’t that America hasn’t heard the argument. It’s that America has heard it—and, by and large, has chosen something else.

Adesso finalmente capisci?