Libertarians and conservatives have enjoyed a long spell of mutual alliance. Both claim to be advocates of individual liberty, limited government interference and free markets. The difference between the two is seen as blur in college campuses where students with hegemonic ideologies come together. But surely there are differences between both. They are:

Libertarian

Libertarians believe in political movements and philosophies that uphold liberty as the main principle. They believe individual rights are an essential part of being. They believe that individual liberty is the key to a free society.

Libertarians’ aim is maximum political autonomy, freedom of choice and voluntary attachments. According to them, everyone has a right to live his life in any way he chooses as long as he respects the equal rights of others.

Conservationist

Conservationists also support the idea of individual liberty, but they connect it to other values like tradition, security, religious faith and good old ideal values. Like the progressives, they are of the view that if law is not enforced upon public actions, then society will fall into social chaos.

Libertarian Vs Conservative

Movement

Libertarianism, as a movement, was started as a form of left-wing politics by libertarian communists. They wanted to abolish capitalism and private ownership of means of production. They encouraged co-operative ownership and management and viewed private property as a barrier to freedom. Libertarianism is a market theory only. Libertarians believe that the complete society is like a market. Thus, they apply the rules of economics to the whole society. In the market scenario, individual self-interest is the main objective.

Conservatism, as a political theory, focuses to secure the blessings of liberty. It propagates liberty as a never-ending right. It is not a thing to be enjoyed in the present only. It is meant to be applied in a comprehensive political and social order that promises and delivers liberty to the coming generations.

Views on Individual choices

Libertarians have open views about social taboos like abortion, prostitution, illicit drug use, porous borders, etc. They believe that it is individual’s right to exercise one’s free will. ‘Unrestricted licence’ is their propaganda. They don’t believe in ‘victimless crime’. Libertarians were against the infringement upon gun rights since a person has the right to own arms for personal safety and self-defence.

For such social taboos, conservationists don’t simply think in market terms. They believe in a society that preserves liberty and good life in the long run. They believe that personal freedom is not the only good. The institutions of family, churches, community centres serve as the building blocks of society.

Views on trade

Libertarians support free immigration and trade. They are sceptical of foreign military interventions and appeal for restraint.

Conservationists favour free market along with the protectionist view. They believe that a state can achieve its international ambitions through military force.

Organizations

Presently, the following federations consider themselves to be libertarians: International Workers’ Association, International Libertarian Solidarity, Confederacion General del Trabajo-Spain, Unione Sindacale Italiana-Italy, Solidarity Federation-United Kingdom, Common Struggle-Libertarian Communist Federation-The United States of America.

Conclusion

Conservatism makes libertarianism possible because it secures the blessings of liberty for past, present and future. Finally, whether it is individual or economic freedom, libertarians favor no government control and show a consistent set of values based strictly on individual freedom. While, conservationists also believe in individual liberty but only if it goes hand in hand with socially acceptable norms. What do you say?