I always thought “libertarian” (unlike “liberal”) was more right than left? He keeps using the term libertarian interchangeably with left / liberal as an opposite of authoritarian?
"Libertarian" is tricky as it has multiple meanings. In the 19th century, "libertarian" meant anarchists and socialists, i.e people who thought we should put our industries etc under democratic control and eventually democratise the state. Nowadays it tends to be used to mean people who are socially liberal but want a small state and support "free market" capitalism. I´d argue there´s nothing libertarian about it, they´re just creating private tyranny.
@@janewest2845 I don’t think he’s coherent even on that level. The best predictor of authoritarianism is opposition to free speech. If you’re in favour of vigorous hate speech laws, or people being sacked or cancelled for expressing views you don’t like, you’re an authoritarian, end of. In my experience, the most pro-censorship voices are the so-called “social liberals”. Imagine if one of Professor Curtice’s surveys asked people if they would support importing a version of the US First Amendment into UK law. I suspect the most consistent opponents would be social liberals.
I always thought “libertarian” (unlike “liberal”) was more right than left? He keeps using the term libertarian interchangeably with left / liberal as an opposite of authoritarian?
He is using it as socially liberal (supports abortion , same sex marriage etc.) not economically liberal ( low tax, few public services)
"Libertarian" is tricky as it has multiple meanings. In the 19th century, "libertarian" meant anarchists and socialists, i.e people who thought we should put our industries etc under democratic control and eventually democratise the state.
Nowadays it tends to be used to mean people who are socially liberal but want a small state and support "free market" capitalism. I´d argue there´s nothing libertarian about it, they´re just creating private tyranny.
Thank you both - it was just confusing me hearing the term being used differently to what I’m used to!
@@janewest2845 I don’t think he’s coherent even on that level. The best predictor of authoritarianism is opposition to free speech. If you’re in favour of vigorous hate speech laws, or people being sacked or cancelled for expressing views you don’t like, you’re an authoritarian, end of. In my experience, the most pro-censorship voices are the so-called “social liberals”. Imagine if one of Professor Curtice’s surveys asked people if they would support importing a version of the US First Amendment into UK law. I suspect the most consistent opponents would be social liberals.
Libertarian occupies a soft left or soft right position. Go further left or right and authoritarian views are apparent.