David Boaz, the longtime executive vice president of the Cato Institute, has been a major figure in the libertarian movement. He played a crucial role in shaping the ideas and policies published by Cato, ensuring they were coherent, persuasive, and ideologically sound. Boaz also contributed his own thoughts to the libertarian discourse through numerous columns, articles, and policy papers.
In his book Libertarianism: A Primer, Boaz provided a comprehensive overview of libertarian thought, highlighting the benefits of free speech, free trade, and open borders. His later work, The Libertarian Mind: A Manifesto for Freedom, addressed contemporary issues such as surveillance, wars, the financial crisis, and healthcare, while also celebrating libertarian victories in various policy areas.
Recently, Boaz reflected on the state of the libertarian movement and emphasized the importance of principles like the nonaggression principle and cosmopolitanism. He highlighted the growth of libertarian ideas and intellectuals in recent years, noting that libertarianism is at the core of classical liberalism.
Boaz discussed the founding of the Cato Institute in 1977, explaining how it aimed to promote libertarian values and ideas in policy discussions. He also reflected on the major issues of the 1970s, such as Vietnam, Watergate, and stagflation, which fueled the rise of libertarianism during that period.
A new generation was emerging, facing familiar issues that had been repeated throughout history. The original agenda of Cato included taking on Social Security, school choice, and foreign intervention. Progress was made on various fronts, but once benefits were established, it became difficult to eliminate them. Ronald Reagan was initially supported by libertarians, but criticism grew during his presidency. The George W. Bush administration had some promising moments, but was ultimately overshadowed by 9/11 and distraction from key issues. The war on terror and the PATRIOT Act had negative impacts on libertarian ideas. Barack Obama’s efforts to create new entitlements were seen as detrimental, despite some successes. We were unsuccessful in halting the implementation of Obamacare, despite our efforts. Many claimed that we would never be able to get rid of it, and unfortunately, they were right. This set us on a troubling path towards a larger government. However, it is worth noting that every president before him had also contributed to the growth of government.
Donald Trump’s presidency had a significant impact on the libertarian movement, causing division among its members. Some supporters claimed he was the most libertarian president ever, citing his promises to cut taxes, regulations, and his stance on issues like energy production. However, many libertarians and conservatives disagreed and found themselves in heated debates over his policies.
Criticism of President Joe Biden centers around his excessive spending and regulatory agenda. While some argue that Trump’s administration spent more, Biden’s approach to regulation and economic policies has raised concerns among critics. His administration’s focus on woke regulation and economic intervention has further fueled criticism.
As the political landscape becomes increasingly polarized, libertarians face a dilemma in choosing who to support. With the Libertarian Party losing traction, options are limited. Some suggest creating a centrist party that aligns with fiscally conservative and socially liberal values. Election reforms like ranked-choice voting may help break the dominance of extremist views in politics and foster a more consensus-based approach.
Despite the advancements in individual freedom and access to information, many people still feel constrained in expressing themselves. Nostalgia for a perceived simpler past often clouds our perception of progress. The idea of a culture rooted in libertarian freedom and cosmopolitanism offers a vision for a more inclusive and tolerant society, but achieving this in contemporary times remains a challenge. In 1990, David Rockefeller did not have it. However, looking back, it is easy to think that things were better then and have since worsened. Despite this perception, many people, especially black individuals, now have more freedom to aspire to greater things. The appointment of Karine Jean-Pierre as press secretary was seen as a sign of progress, reflecting a more open and accepting society. While some criticized her as an affirmative action appointee, the visibility of her role in the administration was seen as important for representing diversity.
There has been a noticeable increase in the advancement of black people and women in both corporations and politics. Progress in LGBTQ+ rights, such as the ability to live openly with a partner and marriage equality, has also been significant, even among conservatives.
The rise of illiberalism on both the left and right poses challenges for libertarianism. Despite this, liberalism has been successful in promoting free markets, private property, free speech, and expanding human rights globally. The critique that liberalism lacks deeper meaning may have some validity, as it emphasizes individual autonomy over established beliefs. However, the ability for individuals to choose their own paths and beliefs is a fundamental aspect of liberalism.
While illiberal forces continue to exist, liberalism remains prevalent in society due to its appeal to the majority who value principles such as private property, free markets, and human rights. The enduring nature of liberalism suggests that its core values resonate with many individuals. This interview with David Boaz has been condensed and edited for clarity.
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