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12 Axes Test

Anarcho-Capitalism

Anarcho-capitalism calls for abolishing the state and replacing its functions, including courts and security, with voluntary arrangements and private property in a free market.

How close are you to Anarcho-Capitalism?

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Your alignment--%
Agree onTop 3 axes
Differ onKey gaps

What is Anarcho-Capitalism?

Anarcho-capitalists take the libertarian logic to its end: if voluntary exchange is good, they argue, then even law and defense can be provided by competing private firms instead of a monopoly state.

The idea is associated with the economist Murray Rothbard and, in different forms, David Friedman. It is a small but influential minority position within libertarian thought.

What are the core ideas of Anarcho-Capitalism?

The ideas that most people in this tradition would sign up to.

  • No state: a society of voluntary agreements
  • Absolute private property rights
  • Courts, security and law provided by competing private providers
  • The non-aggression principle and the sanctity of contract

Where does Anarcho-Capitalism come from?

It was developed in the mid-20th century, especially in Rothbard’s work, building on individualist anarchists and the Austrian school of economics.

Which historical thinkers are closest to Anarcho-Capitalism?

Thinkers whose documented positions on the 12 axes align most closely with this ideology.

Benjamin Tucker

Benjamin Tucker

American individualist anarchist · 1854–1939

An American publisher of the journal Liberty who defended individualist anarchism, with free competition in place of state-granted monopolies.

Closest aligned axisMilitarist vs Pacifist

“Opposition to state wars, imperialist interventions, and militarized force.”

Frédéric Bastiat

Frédéric Bastiat

French economist & legislator · 1801–1850

A French economist and member of the National Assembly who wrote satirical essays against tariffs and subsidies, arguing that the law should protect persons and property and do little else.

Closest aligned axisIsolationism vs Globalism

“Free trade brings prosperity and fraternity; tariffs are legal plunder.”

Milton Friedman

Milton Friedman

American economist · 1912–2006

An American economist of the Chicago school who defended free markets, floating exchange rates and school vouchers, and argued that economic freedom supports political freedom.

Closest aligned axisProgressive vs Traditional

“Opposed the war on drugs and backed drug liberalisation, in line with his case for personal freedom in Capitalism and Freedom.”

Where does Anarcho-Capitalism sit on the 12 axes?

These are its strongest leanings, followed by all twelve axes. They describe the typical version of the tradition.

Strongest leanings

Governmental

Federal vs Unitary
Federal 98%2% Unitary
Democratic vs Autocratic
Democratic 90%10% Autocratic
Security vs Freedom
Security 2%98% Freedom

Diplomatic

Nationalism vs Internationalism
Nationalism 30%70% Internationalism
Militarist vs Pacifist
Militarist 25%75% Pacifist
Assimilationist vs Multiculturalist
Assimilationist 38%62% Multiculturalist

Economic

Collectivize vs Privatize
Collectivize 2%98% Privatize
Planned vs Laissez-faire
Planned 1%99% Laissez-faire
Isolationism vs Globalism
Isolationism 5%95% Globalism

Societal

Irreligious vs Religious
Irreligious 78%22% Religious
Progressive vs Traditional
Progressive 68%32% Traditional
Acceleration vs Bioconservative
Acceleration 70%30% Bioconservative

Editorial estimates for comparison and discussion. Real people and parties in this tradition vary.

What are the main criticisms of Anarcho-Capitalism?

Every tradition has critics. These are the objections most often raised.

  • Critics argue that private security and courts would favor the wealthy and could turn into new states.
  • Many libertarians themselves think a minimal state is needed to protect rights.

Anarcho-Capitalism: frequently asked questions

Anarcho-capitalism calls for abolishing the state and replacing its functions, including courts and security, with voluntary arrangements and private property in a free market.

It depends on the question, because left and right mix several things. On the 12 axes, Anarcho-Capitalism sits closest to private ownership and free markets on economics and to faster social change on social values.

Critics argue that private security and courts would favor the wealthy and could turn into new states. Many libertarians themselves think a minimal state is needed to protect rights.

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