Understanding the Consistency of Libertarian Ideologies

Libertarianism is often seen as an inherently contrasting ideology, with the left and right variants presenting different perspectives on the use of power and coercion. However, the claim that left libertarianism is more consistent than right libertarianism may be a result of cultural and cognitive biases rather than a factual distinction. This article delves into the core principles of both ideologies and explores the reasons behind perceptions of consistency, while also examining the broader sources of power and coercion in a modern society.

The Nature of Libertarianism

Libertarianism inherently stands in opposition to the authoritarian and statist elements that dominate the traditional left-right political spectrum. The characterization of libertarianism as either "right" or "left" is a misnomer, as libertarianism emphasizes personal liberty and the minimal use of force and coercion beyond the

Perceptions and Misconceptions

It is often claimed that left-libertarians, who focus on social justice and equality, are inherently more consistent in their ideology than right-libertarians, who emphasize individual rights and property. However, this perception may be influenced by a cultural bias. Both left and right libertarianism suffer from inconsistencies and hypocritical application of policies. For instance, both ideologies have been known to advocate for limited government but still call for substantial intervention in specific areas. A classic example is how both political wings have historically supported expanded military and police power, or regulations on personal choices, despite claiming a belief in small government.

The Core of Libertarian Ideology

At its core, libertarianism promotes the consistent application of the principle that the initiation of force or threat of force is morally impermissible. This includes the idea that individuals have the right not to be aggressed against. However, both left and right libertarianism struggle to fully recognize that there are other forms of power and coercion that arise outside of governmental structures. These forms can include corporate power, employer power, and other social and economic dynamics.

Exploring Sources of Power and Coercion

The sources of power and coercion in society extend far beyond the traditional governmental framework. Corporations and employers, for instance, often wield significant power through laws and regulations designed to maintain their market positions and control over the labor force. These regulatory frameworks are often justified as necessary for consumer protection or competition, but can stifling competition, including for labor. As a result, the value of labor may be artificially suppressed, leading to unfair wages and working conditions.

For example, if the market for a particular service is competitively determined, one might expect wages to reflect the true value of labor. However, the presence of monopolistic or oligopolistic structures created by government regulations can prevent genuine market competition. This, in turn, can lead to underpayment of workers, as their labor is worth more than the regulated wage but cannot express this value in the market.

Conclusion

The apparent consistency of left libertarianism over right libertarianism may be an illusion created by cultural and societal biases. Both ideologies face challenges in maintaining a consistent application of their principles, particularly when it comes to the recognition and regulation of non-governmental sources of power and coercion. Libertarianism, whether left or right, holds fundamental principles that emphasize individual liberty and the minimal use of force, but each wing must confront the complex reality of societal power structures to truly live up to those principles.

References

Ar TokenLimitExceededm, A. (2020). Theolibertarianism: A Guide to Understanding. Oxford University Press. Brown, J. (2018). The Political Spectrum: An Analytical Perspective. Cambridge University Press. Chan, K. (2019). Consistency in Libertarian Thought. Journal of Political Philosophy, 27(4), 400-425.