Do you guys think that the current approach to Libertarian history is to American-centric? I think the experience of the United States certainly has much to say and add about Libertarianism but do you think that we should broaden research to include the history of libertarianism in other parts of the world?
This might annoy some folks but I worry about Libertarianism taking too much interest in one country (instead of viewing it globally) much like communism in the Soviet Union leading to an extreme form of chauvinism. I am by no means saying that Libertarianism is in an extreme situation like that now, I am just saying maybe we should delve more into other histories to avoid this possibilty.
Libertarianism in the United States (history wise) I think is possibly the most pertinent (but not nessesarily the most important, I would point to examples such as Celtic Ireland as being more vital for study) to look at when you consider the mis-use of libertarian concepts, the rise & fall of the classical liberals to the statists (eventually becoming utilitarians), etc.That's my short answer though; I'm sure there is more to be said.
Perhaps because there is not much of a libertarian movement to speak of in most parts of the world, and especially Europe, at least not until recently.
-Jon
I cannot be caged. I cannot be controlled. Understand this as you die, ever pathetic, ever fools.
Irenicus' Diaries.
The United States were, for all their faults and flaws and however hypocritical the men that did it, founded with at least the pretense that it was a government devoted to the protection of liberty. It was the first real experiment in constitutional governmental restraint and protections, and one which has not been fully imitated to this day. In other countries, you can be jailed for denying official truths or spewing any "hate speech". Here, in theory, you cannot. This country has much more libertarian gun laws, as restrictive as they are, than most European nations. While some here may not like it, the Constitution, while it has not stopped the erosion of liberty, it has slowed it, sometimes greatly, and even helped reverse it in some cases.
JCFolsom: While some here may not like it, the Constitution, while it has not stopped the erosion of liberty, it has slowed it, sometimes greatly, and even helped reverse it in some cases.
I certainly agree with that statement, especially when the courts were not just rubberstamps for the majority. I think the civil war set the foundation and then the New Deal sped it up a thousand times to the corporate state we have today. But all that aside I think we just need to point out other traditions, movements, or historical events in other countries that were either of a libertarians bent. I think this will make libertarianism look more universal and not just United States specific.
Many examples from Medieval Europe had to do with revolts partially inspired by inflation and taxes. Here is a link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Popular_revolt_in_late_medieval_Europe#Inflation
Another interesting series of revolts were various secessionist movements inside Brazil, especially during the period of the Brazilian Empire. One had to do with a region populated by Brazilian cowboys. They had to compete with foreign products on the national market while their products were taxed heavily by the Imperial government. They were also inspired by Federalist ideals (which meant they were heavily decentralist in Latin American terms). They were also aided and lead by the Italian anti-imperialst Guiseppe Garibaldi!
here is a link about it: http://english.ohmynews.com/articleview/article_view.asp?menu=c10400&no=249102&rel_no=1
Canada also had an interesting revolt against mercantilism and property confiscation in the North West rebellion: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North-West_Rebellion
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