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History
Debunking Putin’s Alternative “History”
On February 24, 2022, Vladimir Putin commenced a brutal, full-scale invasion of neighboring Ukraine. Two years on from this calamity, let’s examine and debunk some of the bogus justifications put forth by the fascist regime in Moscow and Putin’s alternative “history” that he uses in his attempts to delegitimize the Ukrainian nation. The two main reasons for the war are plain to see: An authoritarian dictator, facing numerous domestic issues, sought to unify the Russian public against the imaginary threat of a belligerent, Western-backed, “Nazi” regime on their doorstep. The
Civil Liberties
What the world can learn from Argentina’s liberty movement
A version of this article, 'What Europe can learn from Argentina's liberty movement,' was originally published in July 2023 on Speak Freely, the European
Civil Liberties
Why freedom matters more than safety
In an age consumed by concerns for safety and security, many of us have been quick to embrace unprecedented safety measures, surveillance, and expanding
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Free Speech
A martyr for free speech: Helmuth Hübener
Today, 62% of Americans have political views they are afraid to share. Despite the extensive legal protections for freedom of speech in America, I worry the attitude and spirit of freedom will decay despite legal guarantees. To remedy this, I believe it is important to learn about the example of Helmuth Hübener, a German teenager who defied the Nazi regime and became a martyr for freedom.
Democracy and Voting
Javier Milei: a new era for Argentina?
On October 22, Argentina is poised to hold the first round of the 2023 Presidential Elections, determining the successor to the Peronist Alberto Fernandez. Following the primaries, Javier Milei, who describes himself as an anarcho-capitalist, emerged as the frontrunner. Could Argentina be set to embark on a radical new journey?
Education
Think school choice mainly benefits rich families? Think again
In the debate about school choice, one argument pops up again and again from those who oppose it: that school choice primarily benefits more affluent families, leaving working-class and lower-income families behind. But this argument neglects the advantages that school choice offers to those who need it most. Here are seven ways school choice benefits poorer students…
Civil Liberties
Why freedom matters more than safety
Safety is, of course, to be valued, but some important questions do arise, particularly in the context of our 21st-century challenges: Are we sacrificing too much freedom in the pursuit of safety? Is freedom more important than safety, and if so, why?
Free Markets and Capitalism
The case for Liberland
Along the Danube River in South-Central Europe lies a distinctive parcel of land between Croatia and Serbia. In 2015, Vit Jedlička and a few others proclaimed the territory as the Free Republic of Liberland. But can and should Liberland become an internationally-recognized, sovereign nation?
Economics
What would Adam Smith write about now?
In the pantheon of economic thought, Adam Smith stands as a colossus, a philosopher whose seminal work, The Wealth of Nations, fundamentally shaped our understanding of free markets and the power of individual self-interest to fuel societal progress. But what would he write about today’s issues?
Censorship
Branded as traitors: why activism in Bosnia and Herzegovina is not for the fainthearted
Right now, activists in Bosnia and Herzegovina, specifically within the region of Republika Srpska, are bracing themselves for an array of new challenges as the government plans to enact a law that will impose strict oversight and intense scrutiny of non-governmental organizations. Those receiving funding from abroad will be required to register as “foreign agents.”
Free Markets and Capitalism
Ludwig von Mises: an economist for freedom and free enterprise
Today would have been Ludwig von Mises’ 135th birthday. Here we reflect on the profound contribution he made to economics.
Censorship
Bill C-11: how Canada’s algorithm power play stifles free speech online
For the Canadian Government, Bill C-11 heralds a fresh avenue for regulation and control. It is a mechanism for both reprimanding adversaries and rewarding lobbyists. Naturally, this government dominance over media comes at the cost of freedom and diversity of content online. Here’s what’s at stake…
Free Will and Moral Responsibility
7 controversial life lessons that shouldn’t be controversial
Intrigued about a fresh take on personal growth and self-discovery that emphasizes individualism, liberty, and rational self-interest? Let’s take a look at 7 controversial life lessons that really shouldn’t be controversial at all…
Civil Liberties
Why is communism still a thing in Portugal?
On March 6, 2021, the streets of several Portuguese cities were adorned with communist flags and other decorations. These scenes looked like they were straight out of the Soviet Union or perhaps a present-day communist country. In reality, though, we’re talking about cities like Lisbon or Porto. But why is communism still a thing in Portugal?
Free Speech
Defending liberty in the digital age: how useful is social media activism?
The power of information dissemination through social media networks is remarkable, with messages often going viral within seconds. Yet, it is essential to acknowledge that social media activism has its limitations.
Announcement
Spike Cohen: What’s next for the liberty movement?
In July 2023, amid the lively atmosphere of FreedomFest in Memphis, I had the privilege of sitting down with Spike Cohen, the Founder and President of You Are The Power and the 2020 Libertarian Party nominee for vice president.
Join me as we dive into Spike Cohen’s insightful perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the liberty movement today, offering a unique glimpse into his thoughts and vision for the future.
Government
Libya: a cautionary tale against interventionism
This month’s devastating floods affecting Libya have brought the country back to the forefront of international media. In the annals of international relations, Libya stands as a stark reminder of the perils of interventionism.
Philosophy
Five books to understand Objectivism
Whether you’re stepping into Rand’s world for the first time or revisiting these classics with fresh eyes, these books are your passport to exploring Objectivism and its profound implications for individual liberty, reason, and the pursuit of happiness.
Basic Economics
Globalization: a curse or a blessing?
For far too long, the fixed pie fallacy was the most widely held belief. When wars over resources were too costly to fight, society (not understanding that the ultimate resource is the human mind) went back to the good old trade wars of the mercantilist era. But something changed after the Second World War when Japan took a different path.
Free Will and Moral Responsibility
What Elizabeth Bennet taught me about liberty
Elizabeth Bennet, the protagonist in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, stands out because of her unconventional views on education and marriage, challenging the staunchly patriarchal society of Georgian England. Here’s what her story can teach us about liberty…
History
The philosophical journey of liberty: from Antiquity to the Age of Revolution
After its extensive development in Greece and (to a lesser extent) Rome, the notion of liberty was largely forgotten during the subsequent medieval era. During this time, a culture of intense military domination emerged, leading the European population to submit to regimes that caused a decline in both political and individual autonomy, and consigning ancient Greek democratic institutions to history.
Announcement
How Students For Liberty will free the world — with a hand from F.A. Hayek
Imagine a world where the principles of classical liberalism are not just taught but lived by every individual. This vision is not just a dream, but a goal that Students For Liberty (SFL) is actively working towards – and you can be a crucial part of making it a reality.
Civil Liberties
What Jordan Peterson’s failed court appeal says about freedom of expression in Canada
In a recent legal development that has ignited debates about the intersection of freedom of expression and professional obligations, former University of Toronto professor Jordan Peterson’s court appeal has been denied. What does this development tell us about freedom of expression in Canada?
Economics
Climate anxiety and sunk costs: flipping the script on ostrich solutions
By striking a balance between support and accountability, while respecting individual liberty and property rights, we can address climate anxiety in a way that promotes long-term resilience and responsible stewardship of our environment. Here are four broad suggestions:
Economics
Five myths about antitrust
Antitrust law will likely affect you personally, either targeting a company you patronize or even your employer. With big changes on the horizon for competition enforcement, here are five popular misconceptions surrounding antitrust…
LGBTQ
Why defending LGBTQ+ liberty remains an imperative
In a society that increasingly claims to champion progress and inclusivity, a recent tragic event stands as a stark reminder of the enduring danger faced by LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies.
Immigration
How immigration creates a more prosperous world
Immigration has been a huge driving force behind creating America as we know it today. Without immigrants, or with far fewer immigrants, it would be impossible to imagine the United States developing into the world’s dominant economic powerhouse as it did. Opposition to immigration has been allowed to gradually place the American dream out of reach for so many ambitious individuals and deprive the country of further potential in the process.