Libertarian Solution to Government Services: Voluntaryist Approach

The question of whether libertarians find any portion of the government acceptable is often met with complex debates. This article explores a unique libertarian viewpoint known as Voluntaryism, which proposes a solution where everyone can have whatever portion of government they desire, leading to a society where different governance models can coexist peacefully.

Libertarian Views on Government

Traditionally, libertarians advocate for minimal state intervention in personal and economic affairs. However, they also recognize the necessity of government to enforce contracts, protect property rights, and ensure public safety. Libertarians like Saulius Mulioliss have emphasized that for large and diverse societies, a powerful state is essential to ensure good laws are made and enforced, and to protect individual rights.

The Voluntaryist Solution

The voluntaryist solution takes this further by proposing a society where individuals can opt for any form of government they prefer, or even opt out entirely. This approach challenges the traditional notion that a one-size-fits-all government is necessary.

Core Principles of Voluntaryism

Voluntary choices: Individuals can choose their preferred set of government services voluntarily. No coercion: No one can be forced into a particular form of government. Freedom of association: People can choose to live in communities or regions with similar governance preferences.

Implementing Voluntaryist Governance

The voluntaryist solution introduces a diverse range of governmental structures, each catering to the preferences of its members. This could range from libertarian, socialist, or any other ideology. For example:

A Socialist Government, where individuals turn over their earnings to a collective. A Social Justice Government, where certain pronouns are mandated, emphasizing gender equality. A Fundamentalist Government, where decisions are guided by religious doctrine.

By removing the coercive aspects of government, this solution aims to create a peaceful society where diversity in governance is celebrated and allowed. This is akin to the diversity of religious beliefs today, where people follow different faiths without violence.

Benefits of the Voluntaryist Approach

The voluntaryist approach has several advantages:

Promotes peace: It eliminates the cycle of violence and forced assimilation that often accompanies centralized government. Encourages innovation: Different governance structures can compete, leading to better services and more efficient governance. Respects individual autonomy: People can choose the form of governance that aligns with their values, leading to voluntary and consensual interactions.

Challenges and Concerns

While the voluntaryist solution seems promising, it also faces several challenges:

Contiguity Monopolies: Some argue that certain regions can only support one form of government. However, the voluntaryist approach offers creative solutions to this issue, allowing for diverse governance within regions. Historical Violence: Centuries of rulers enforcing their will on others have created a deep-seated belief in a single collective authority. Breaking this myth requires a radical shift in societal norms.

Despite these challenges, the voluntaryist solution presents a compelling alternative to traditional governance models. By allowing individuals to choose their own form of government, it aims to create a more peaceful, diverse, and governed society.

Conclusion

The voluntaryist solution challenges us to reconsider our views on government. By embracing diversity and voluntary choice, it offers a path to a more peaceful and dynamic society. While the concept may seem radical at first, it paves the way for a future where governance is by the people, for the people, and of the people.