Libertarian versus Conservative Perspectives
Only libertarianism consistently favors small government.
A common frustration for libertarians is that many people view libertarianism and conservatism as different flavors of the same underlying ideology. In fact, they are fundamentally different.
Libertarianism advocates vastly expanded legal immigration; repealing drug prohibition; forgoing foreign policy interventions; keeping same-sex marriage legal; and eliminating all trade barriers. Libertarians oppose restrictions on the content or content policies of social media outlets.
All these positions are anathema to conservatives.
Conservatism is also hopelessly statist even in areas where it overlapped with libertarianism historically. During recent debt ceiling negotiations, Republicans ruled out any reduction in Social Security or Medicare, the two main causes of US fiscal imbalance. Conservatism has gone all in for industrial policy.
To be sure, libertarians and conservatives agree on a few issues; both oppose most gun control and favor lower taxes. But such overlap is the exception.
Most fundamentally, the libertarian presumption is always for less government, whether regarding social, economic, or foreign policy. Conservatives now seem happy to endorse government control in any arena, so long as it pushes conservative values (e.g., mandates against “woke” themes in public education).
None of this proves the libertarian perspective is “better” or “right.” But it is nothing like current-day conservatism.
fair point. republicans, like democrats, tend toward what is politically expedient in the moment. rather than sticking with general principles.
Hi Stephen. I share your concerns about the term "libertarian," but I hesitate to try an alternative. Some of the alternatives are several words long, which is awkward; others potentially confusion (liberalism or modern liberalism). Plus, trying something new might generate confusion. But I am always open to suggestions! Thanks for writing, jeff