Achieving a society where individual freedom is maximized through the elimination of government intervention and the promotion of voluntary exchanges within a free market system.
Anarcho-capitalism is a political philosophy and economic theory that advocates for the elimination of centralized states in favor of self-ownership, private property, and free markets. It is a form of anarchism that applies the principles of capitalism to the framework of a stateless society. Anarcho-capitalists believe that in the absence of statute (law by decree or legislation), society would improve itself through the discipline of the free market (or what its proponents describe as a "voluntary society").
The term "anarcho-capitalism" was coined by economist and political theorist Murray Rothbard in the mid-20th century, although the philosophy has roots in the classical liberal ideas of John Locke and Adam Smith. Rothbard combined the free-market principles of Austrian School economics with the human rights views of classical liberalism to develop the philosophy of anarcho-capitalism. He argued that the state is an unnecessary evil and that it could be replaced by private institutions and services.
Anarcho-capitalism emerged in the United States in the second half of the 20th century as a fringe movement within libertarianism and has remained relatively obscure. It has been associated with various political and social movements, including the anti-war movement, the civil liberties movement, and the tax resistance movement. Despite its limited influence, anarcho-capitalism has been a significant influence on the libertarian movement and has contributed to the development of theories of property rights and economic freedom.
Anarcho-capitalists propose that the functions traditionally performed by the state, such as law enforcement, defense, and infrastructure, could be provided by private businesses, charities, or voluntary associations. They argue that a free market would naturally regulate these services better than a government could. Critics of anarcho-capitalism argue that it would lead to inequalities of wealth and power, and that it fails to address issues such as environmental protection, public goods, and the exploitation of workers.
In terms of its history, anarcho-capitalism has never been implemented as the governing philosophy of a country or a major political movement. However, it has been influential in the development of libertarian thought and has inspired various experiments in living without state control, such as the seasteading movement and the Free State Project. Despite its marginal status, anarcho-capitalism continues to be a vibrant and controversial part of the political landscape, with a dedicated following of theorists, activists, and commentators.
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