A Libertarian View of Secession
A Libertarian View of Secession

Author(s): J.W. Rich
Subject(s): Politics, Political Philosophy, Governance, Geopolitics
Published by: Addleton Academic Publishers
Keywords: Libertarianism; secession; non-aggression principle; state illegitimacy; individual and state rights;
Summary/Abstract: The concept of secession has long been associated with Libertarian thought. From the Classical Liberal tradition, all the way to Ludwig von Mises and Murray Rothbard, allies of liberty have consistently upheld the right to secede from the state. Even so, the issue of secession is more complicated than a first glance might suggest. When we speak of secession, are we talking about secession on an individual, group, or state-wide level? Is secession permissible in all circumstances or only in some? If only in some circumstances, what circumstances? Furthermore, should Libertarians even encourage secession at all? Is secession a valuable weapon to wield against the state? To answer these and other questions, a full analysis of secession through the lens of Libertarian theory and strategy is necessary.

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