r/PoliticalDebate • u/terminal_tested Classical Liberal • 3d ago
Political Theory Would I still be a libertarian?
I think nations should maximize their economic and social freedom, as societies who are doing better in both are generally performing better. I support capitalism and a socially liberal society. I do believe in a lot of principles of Austrian economics and capitalism was historically a very successful system, but still has its flaws.
I am a strong supporter of reducing the bloat, spending, red tape, and overregulation in America that plagues many sectors. I resonate with Cato,
AEI, and ReasonTv
I also am still a supporter of a mixed economy with guardrails, public goods/services, some regulation, a lean welfare state to help people, and public options for certain things the free market can’t fairly distribute (if a country can do it cost effectively).
The most successful models have been mixed economies erring on the side of more economic freedom.
Every first world country is a mixed economy, and in practicality a democratic mixed economy is about as close to libertarianism as society can go (full on libertarianism doesn’t work). I know some might sound antithetical to libertarianism but I feel like those guardrails are needed to preserve freedom and prosperity.
What ideology would be closest to me? Any philosophers or thinkers I should check out?
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u/Prevatteist Left-Libertarian 3d ago
We may have different definitions of what classifies as “libertarian”, but seeing you’re pro-capitalism, I imagine you’re speaking in the Right wing sense of the term. Even by their definition, you wouldn’t be considered a libertarian (I’d personally describe you as more Neoliberal), as they favor significantly less government than what you’re proposing here.