12 thinkers, books, and ideas connected to this field.
Nozick's Anarchy, State, and Utopia (1974) is the foundational libertarian work in analytic political philosophy, arguing that only a minimal state is justified and that taxation for redistribution is a violation of rights.
American economist at George Mason — author of The Myth of the Rational Voter, Selfish Reasons to Have More Kids, The Case Against Education, and Open Borders — who applies economic reasoning to immigration, education, and voting to produce consistently contrarian conclusions.
American businessman — co-chairman and CEO of Koch Industries (second largest private company in America) — libertarian activist and funder — whose political network (Americans for Prosperity, Cato Institute funding) transformed American conservative politics.
American economist — author of The Machinery of Freedom — son of Milton Friedman — who has developed the most rigorous academic case for anarcho-capitalism (the replacement of government with market-provided legal and security services).
Friedman's Free to Choose (1980) is the companion to his PBS television series, presenting the case for free markets and limited government in accessible prose.
American consumer affairs and libertarian journalist — ABC News 20/20 correspondent and co-anchor — Fox Business Network — whose career transformed from consumer advocate to free-market libertarian — author of Give Me a Break and No, They Can't.
Milton Friedman was an American economist whose monetarism and advocacy for free markets made him the 20th century's most influential libertarian economist.
Republican Senator from Kentucky (2011–) — ophthalmologist — son of Ron Paul — the Senate's leading libertarian voice — who filibustered the Patriot Act reauthorization (2015) and has been the primary Senate critic of foreign intervention and surveillance.
American legal scholar at NYU Law and Hoover Institution — author of Takings, Simple Rules for a Complex World, and Forbidden Grounds — the leading libertarian legal theorist in the US — who has argued for radical simplification of regulatory law.
British educator and writer — founder of Taking Children Seriously (TCS) — who advocates for treating children as autonomous rational agents whose preferences and knowledge should be respected rather than overridden by parental authority.
Silicon Valley Ideology represents a cultural and intellectual force that emerged in the late 20th century, emphasizing the potential of technology to solve societal problems and promote individual freedom and meritocracy.
Javier Milei is an Argentine economist and politician who became President of Argentina in December 2023 after a populist anti-establishment campaign. A self-described anarcho-capitalist and libertarian, he advocates radical reduction of the state, dollarization, and free-market economics. Known for his theatrical public persona and rejection of mainstream political parties.