The Future of Libertarians in an Authoritarian World

Thanks for the “ask to answer.” The future for libertarians is poised to continue much as it has for the past few decades, marked by obscurity despite significant impact on key issues. While libertarians will continue to have a presence, their path ahead is fraught with challenges and opportunities.

Survival and Relevance

Despite the discourse on platforms such as Quora continuing, libertarians will most likely remain a fringe movement in the United States. However, their views are underappreciated in important areas. The ongoing decriminalization of drugs, the ongoing debate surrounding the right to bear arms, and opposition to military adventurism and wasteful government spending continue to affect libertarians. Occasionally, a Libertarian Party (LP) candidate may be elected to public office, but ballot access restrictions continue to marginalize these candidates. Libertarian-leaning Americans are more likely to either abstain from voting or think they are “wasting their vote” by not supporting a major party.

The Future of Anarcho-Capitalism

Anarcho-capitalism, a peculiar form of fascism, is unlikely to gain traction. Libertarians understand that democratic participation, though often superficial, is beneficial. They recognize that a semblance of mass participation enhances their chances of influencing policy.

Short-Term Futures

Following the 2020 election, many conservatives and libertarians who voted Republican may blame libertarians for Trump losing or nearly losing the election. This sentiment is rooted in a lack of responsibility and cultural alignment. The LP is likely to see even fewer votes in the future, as the importance of the election is exaggerated. This is particularly true without ranked choice voting, a change that the major party duopoly would likely resist.

Short-term challenges may exacerbate. Violence is unlikely, but libertarians like myself may face more censorship and marginalization. Alternative social media platforms like Gab and Minds may continue to grow, as may the use of 3D printers, especially if gun control measures are passed. The Free State Project may attract more followers, leading to increased immigration to New Hampshire. Local elections in New Hampshire may see a greater libertarian presence, potentially slowing the growth of tyranny in the state.

Long-Term Projections

Over the long term, libertarianism is likely to grow, paralleling the growth of atheism as an ideology of skepticism towards authority figures. The practice of agorism will accelerate, with the use of 3D printed components for firearms and other technologies becoming more common. Transhumanism, including gene modifications and brain-computer interfaces, is expected to become more mainstream. As fiat currency continues to inflate, the adoption of cryptocurrencies and encrypted technologies will also increase.

On the issue of drug legality, marijuana may become more widely legalized, though a comprehensive Prohibition is unlikely to end, given the current federal stance. The long-term future of libertarianism will be shaped by these evolving trends and the growth of alternative technologies and ideologies.

Conclusion

The future for libertarians is marked by a blend of resilience and evolution. While they will continue to face challenges, their ideology is likely to grow and adapt, reflecting the changing world and the increasing skepticism towards authority figures.