Is Libertarianism Necessarily a Chiliastic Ideology?

Libertarianism is necessarily radical in a non-libertarian state because it seeks to dismantle that state completely. This article explores the nuances of libertarian principles and their connection to chiliastic beliefs.

Defining the Question

The question of whether libertarianism is a chiliastic ideology appears absurd at first glance. How can a political philosophy that emphasizes the non-initiation of force against innocent people lead to grand visions of utopia or millenarian dreams?

Libertarianism and Non-Violence

Some libertarians live by and promote their principles, believing they lead to a better society. However, few libertarians I know share the belief that these principles will lead to perfection or that there is a grand plan in the universe pointing towards such a future. Most recognize the diversity of views and only advocate for libertarian principles where there are egregious violations. By contrast, chiliastic tendencies often involve people imagining a future without current problems, many of which stem from oppressive systems.

Chiliastic Tendencies and Libertarianism

The scenario where chiliastic tendencies are more readily associated with libertarianism seems more plausible. Many people imagine a perfect world without the issues they face today. If those issues are oppressions, it logically follows that an ideal society would not have these problems. Examples abound: no long DMV wait lines, no mass incarceration or systemic racism, no income tax forms, no secret police or no-knock warrants with stun grenades, no aggressive wars. Even those with non-libertarian principles often imagine the people they wish to oppress disappearing into their utopian visions.

Radicalism and Ownership of Self

This question brings us to the concept of radicalism. Charles Tips noted that, “Absolutely in the proper sense of the word...” Here, radical does not imply extreme or overly changeable, but rather fundamentally transformative. From a libertarian perspective, the belief in self-ownership is the most fundamental starting point. Dennis Pratt posits that if one owns one's own body, then libertarianism is the most radical political belief one can hold, especially when compared to the support of all government, which does not share this belief.

Conclusion

Libertarianism, when grounded in the principle of self-ownership, stands as a radical political belief. It is a radical challenge to the status quo because it uproots the very premise of centralized control. Contrary to the initial question, chiliastic visions are more prevalent among those opposing oppressive systems, and libertarianism does not inherently lead to such visions. Instead, it serves as a critique of the current state and an advocacy for fundamental change, rooted in the belief that all individuals should have sovereignty over their own lives.