3 Comments
User's avatar
⭠ Return to thread
Zixuan Ma's avatar

Hi Bryan,

Do you see libertarian politicians getting popular in the US anytime soon? Why or why not? The main conservative parities in the UK and Canada appear to be moving in a libertarian direction, but I don't see the Republican Party becoming more libertarian, except for its foreign policy platform.

Thanks,

Zixuan “Eric” Ma

Expand full comment
Bryan Caplan's avatar

I actually think the Republicans became a LOT more libertarian during Covid. 75% has faded out, but 25% of a lot still impresses me. They're actually doing a lot for school choice. And their moral panics are now far less objectionable to me. Trans surgery on minors isn't a huge problem, but it sure looks a lot like child abuse to me. For Republicans to focus on this (plus DEI generally) over immigration is a big improvement in my book.

Expand full comment
Zixuan Ma's avatar

I agree though the new libertarian leanings may have been canceled out by its increased hostility towards high-skill immigration and free trade. And the GOP appears to have abandoned entitlement reforms.

Expand full comment