are African countries libertarian?

[rebeltarian]

In theory, the African continent is home to some of the most authoritarian governments in the world, but on account of their limited resources and lack of organization, very few of their laws are actually consistently enforced.  Discuss.

[Franzl]

LOL. (only proper answer)

[Free Palestine]

According to libertarian-bashers, Somalia is a libertarian paradise.  Despite the fact that half the country is ruled by Islamists.  They think that since the internationally-recognized government has no control, there is no government.  In the case of Africa, national governments exhibit very little control, yet power lies in the hands of other groups.  Africa is far from being a libertarian paradise.

[Gren]

Hell, no! Most of them are actually quite conservative/authoritarian on social issues. I'd say that they are economically left-wing, but since wealth is so unevenly distributed there, I'm not sure at all.
In my opinion, the fact that some African governments are so weak has nothing to do with libertarianism, but with a wide range of other reasons, for example, tribal tension, militias, corruption... Even some Western multinational corporations' presence may hurt more than help.

 I could possibly be mistaken, though.

[Bo]

No.

[phk]

No.

[Хahar 🤔]

If libertarians weren't so American, they would be.

[Lief 🗽]

According to libertarian-bashers, Somalia is a libertarian paradise.  Despite the fact that half the country is ruled by Islamists.  They think that since the internationally-recognized government has no control, there is no government.  In the case of Africa, national governments exhibit very little control, yet power lies in the hands of other groups.  Africa is far from being a libertarian paradise.

Yes, this is what would happen in a libertarian country.

[WillK]

According to libertarian-bashers, Somalia is a libertarian paradise.  Despite the fact that half the country is ruled by Islamists.  They think that since the internationally-recognized government has no control, there is no government.  In the case of Africa, national governments exhibit very little control, yet power lies in the hands of other groups.  Africa is far from being a libertarian paradise.

Libertarian-bashers probably assert this becuase this looks like the defintion of what libertarians claim to want -- governments with little control or power, thus power lies in the hands of others.  Isnt that what you want?

[Associate Justice PiT]

According to libertarian-bashers, Somalia is a libertarian paradise.  Despite the fact that half the country is ruled by Islamists.  They think that since the internationally-recognized government has no control, there is no government.  In the case of Africa, national governments exhibit very little control, yet power lies in the hands of other groups.  Africa is far from being a libertarian paradise.

Libertarian-bashers probably assert this becuase this looks like the defintion of what libertarians claim to want -- governments with little control or power, thus power lies in the hands of others.  Isnt that what you want?

     Power in the hands of individuals -- distinct from tribal warlords.

[WillK]

According to libertarian-bashers, Somalia is a libertarian paradise.  Despite the fact that half the country is ruled by Islamists.  They think that since the internationally-recognized government has no control, there is no government.  In the case of Africa, national governments exhibit very little control, yet power lies in the hands of other groups.  Africa is far from being a libertarian paradise.

Libertarian-bashers probably assert this becuase this looks like the defintion of what libertarians claim to want -- governments with little control or power, thus power lies in the hands of others.  Isnt that what you want?

     Power in the hands of individuals -- distinct from tribal warlords.

A warlord is an individual. 

[Associate Justice PiT]

According to libertarian-bashers, Somalia is a libertarian paradise.  Despite the fact that half the country is ruled by Islamists.  They think that since the internationally-recognized government has no control, there is no government.  In the case of Africa, national governments exhibit very little control, yet power lies in the hands of other groups.  Africa is far from being a libertarian paradise.

Libertarian-bashers probably assert this becuase this looks like the defintion of what libertarians claim to want -- governments with little control or power, thus power lies in the hands of others.  Isnt that what you want?

     Power in the hands of individuals -- distinct from tribal warlords.

A warlord is an individual. 

     So is a President. I meant all individuals rather than a few who are designated as rulers.

[Stranger in a strange land]

According to libertarian-bashers, Somalia is a libertarian paradise.  Despite the fact that half the country is ruled by Islamists.  They think that since the internationally-recognized government has no control, there is no government.  In the case of Africa, national governments exhibit very little control, yet power lies in the hands of other groups.  Africa is far from being a libertarian paradise.

Yes, this is what would happen in a libertarian country.

this situation is due to corruption and weak states rather than the intent of the leaders of those states. The view you express is correct, however.

[dead0man]

The ignorance from the left is hilarious every time this topic comes up.  Libertarian paradise indeed.

[Joe Republic]

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the northern half of the Ivory Coast yet.  That could be considered a 'libertarian paradise' far more than Somalia.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8446994.stm

[useful idiot]

I think most libertarians support at least the rule of law, so no. Isn't that the one major component of government libertarians generally agree should be in place: a judiciary and a government able to enforce rights and guarantee freedom? The absence of government is anarchism or anarcho-capitalism.

[dead0man]

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the northern half of the Ivory Coast yet.  That could be considered a 'libertarian paradise' far more than Somalia.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8446994.stm

Yeah, I just read about "sorosland" yesterday.  It's closer that Somalia, but still pretty far away from what I'd want in a "libertarian paradise".

(as if the idea was any more possible than any other kind of "    Fill in the Blank        paradise")

I think most libertarians support at least the rule of law, so no. Isn't that the one major component of government libertarians generally agree should be in place: a judiciary and a government able to enforce rights and guarantee freedom? The absence of government is anarchism or anarcho-capitalism.

This doesn't jibe with the libertarians Lief, Xahar and friends have made up in their heads.

[Free Palestine]

I think most libertarians support at least the rule of law, so no. Isn't that the one major component of government libertarians generally agree should be in place: a judiciary and a government able to enforce rights and guarantee freedom? The absence of government is anarchism or anarcho-capitalism.

This doesn't jibe with the libertarians Lief, Xahar and friends have made up in their heads.

[JSojourner]

According to libertarian-bashers, Somalia is a libertarian paradise.  Despite the fact that half the country is ruled by Islamists.  They think that since the internationally-recognized government has no control, there is no government.  In the case of Africa, national governments exhibit very little control, yet power lies in the hands of other groups.  Africa is far from being a libertarian paradise.

Actually, the one redeeming quality about Libertarianism...that it courageously resists religious extremists...is clearly what would make a true Libertarian hate Somalia, my sig notwithstanding.
  Of course, there are the Ron Pauls of the world who seem pretty cozy with religious extremists on the abortion rights issue, but hey -- just as I don't expect every Democrat to be in lock step with their party on every single issue, so I can't expect Dr. Paul to get it right every time when it comes to Libertarianism.

That said, I think the overarching truth is still applicable.  The folks who believe in the road and bridge fairies...and that taxation is theft...and that government services are evil and should be done away with...really ought to find Somalia more appealing that the Socialist Collective Farm that the United States has become.

No one's going to tax you in Somalia...no one is going to tell you how fast to drive or whether or not to wear a seat belt...and if you own a business, no one is going to tell you where to dump your poisonous runoff.  You'll be able to own whatever gun you want and shoot it when and where you please. I would suggest that the Libertarians move there, enjoy the many benefits, and then get to work on removing the religious crazies from the country.  You'd be bloody closer to making it a Libertarian Utopia than a place like this with all our nanny statism and our "Socialist" President and "Corporatist" opposition.

[Tetro Kornbluth]

Hahaha no.

Most libertarians here would actually be big-government interventionists in Africa. For the same reason.

[Verily]

According to libertarian-bashers, Somalia is a libertarian paradise.  Despite the fact that half the country is ruled by Islamists.  They think that since the internationally-recognized government has no control, there is no government.  In the case of Africa, national governments exhibit very little control, yet power lies in the hands of other groups.  Africa is far from being a libertarian paradise.

Yes, this is what would happen in a libertarian country.

Indeed--this is the whole point of the comparison. In any case, LOL at the notion of Somalia being ruled by Islamists. Maybe a few blocks of Mogadishu, plus wherever their militia happens to be stationed at the moment.

[Free Palestine]

According to libertarian-bashers, Somalia is a libertarian paradise.  Despite the fact that half the country is ruled by Islamists.  They think that since the internationally-recognized government has no control, there is no government.  In the case of Africa, national governments exhibit very little control, yet power lies in the hands of other groups.  Africa is far from being a libertarian paradise.

Yes, this is what would happen in a libertarian country.

Indeed--this is the whole point of the comparison. In any case, LOL at the notion of Somalia being ruled by Islamists. Maybe a few blocks of Mogadishu, plus wherever their militia happens to be stationed at the moment.

Uh-huh.

[Magic 8ball]

Most libertarians believe that government should intervene to the point where an individual has the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Things like warlords infringe on the liberty of an individual and therefore the government must be able to get rid of them. Libertarians believe that the government should be able to effectively enforce the laws it does have.

But, also remember that not all libertarians are radical. A lot of them just believe in reducing government interference in our lives, not eliminating all laws and enforceability.

[Vepres]

The rights of an individual and his/her property aren't protected, so no.

[RosettaStoned]

Libertarian implies they have coherent enough governments and societies to consciously decide to have a free market society. Africa is a land of weak, corrupt governments that prey on the local population.