Russell Coates

7 controversial life lessons that shouldn’t be controversial

September 25, 2023

Free Will and Moral Responsibility

What if I told you that some of the most profound and transformative life lessons are often those that challenge conventional wisdom and appear, at least to many, to be most controversial? In a world filled with conflicting ideologies and societal pressures, it's crucial to pursue a journey of personal growth and self-discovery that places a strong emphasis on individualism, liberty, and  your rational self-interest. By the way, feel free to click out of this article if you believe your career has peaked, you're thrilled with your life, and you're happy with your relationships. Enjoy

Spike Cohen: What’s next for the liberty movement?

September 19, 2023

Announcement

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.  Known for his spirited advocacy, Cohen has been a vocal champion of individual liberty through his grassroots activism and strong online presence. In our interview, we discussed a range of pressing issues that are shaping the liberty movement in the current political landscape. Join me as we dive into Spike Cohen's insightful perspectives on the challenges and

Libya: a cautionary tale against interventionism

Government

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. The removal of Muammar Gaddafi, a dictator notorious for his brutality and erratic behavior, was initially hailed as a triumph of Western intervention. However, twelve years on, Libya remains a cautionary tale, a nation engulfed in chaos and violence, its people suffering as a result of the very intervention that promised liberation. There is no denying that Gaddafi's

Five books to understand Objectivism

September 18, 2023

Philosophy

In the world of philosophy and literature, few figures have left as profound an impact as Ayn Rand. Her philosophy of Objectivism, rooted in the principles of reason, individualism, and rational self-interest, has ignited intense debates, inspired countless followers, and challenged conventional wisdom for decades. Whether you're an avid philosopher or a curious reader, delving into Rand's ideas is an intellectual journey worth embarking on. To begin this enlightening voyage into the world of Objectivism, we've curated a selection of five essential books that provide a solid foundation for understanding

Why defending LGBTQ+ liberty remains an imperative

August 24, 2023

LGBTQ

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.  On Friday, August 18, 2023, Laura Ann Carleton, a California shop owner and mother of nine, tragically lost her life in a senseless act of violence. A staunch ally of the LGBTQ+ community, Carleton displayed a pride flag at the entrance to her store. When a man tore down her flag, she confronted him. After the ensuing argument, the man who took exception to the LGBTQ+ pride flag fatally shot the

How immigration creates a more prosperous world

August 23, 2023

Immigration

Throughout history, human migration has been a fundamental aspect of the human experience. From the earliest days of humanity, individuals and communities have ventured across landscapes and continents in search of better opportunities, resources, and safety. Whether it was the migration of early humans from East Africa to the surrounding regions or the millions of immigrants who sought a better life in the United States in recent centuries, the phenomenon of immigration is driven by individual decisions to pursue a better life and seek better opportunities somewhere else. Early human migration

Uniting for Ukraine: How Ukrainian refugees are filling America’s labor void

August 11, 2023

Immigration

In the vast expanse of North Dakota's oil fields, a quiet yet significant transformation is taking place. Thousands of Ukrainian refugees have found their way to this unlikely destination, contributing to a workforce grappling with severe shortages.  While their presence has brought forth positive change, it's astounding how this story remains shrouded in relative obscurity.  Let’s look at how the story of North Dakota’s newest arrivals and the success of the Uniting for Ukraine program shows the potential for a simplified and more open immigration process. The Uniting

Five books to understand Austrian economics

August 4, 2023

Basic Economics

Ready to explore the fascinating world of Austrian economics? This article has got you covered! Whether you're new to the subject or eager to learn more, we've handpicked five essential books just for you. Discover the core principles and groundbreaking ideas that shape this influential field. Get ready to dive in and unlock timeless wisdom and profound perspectives that will captivate your mind. Let's embark on this journey together! 1. Economics in One Lesson, by Henry Hazlitt (1946) Economics in One Lesson, a captivating work by Henry Hazlitt (1894-1993), is as good an entry

A history of money and the gold standard

July 28, 2023

Basic Economics

The history of money is a story of human ingenuity and economic evolution. From the early days of bartering to the unfortunate establishment of fiat currency to a future rippling with potential thanks to cryptocurrencies, the concept of money has endured a wild ride. To understand this evolution, though, we must first explore the origins of money and the advent of the gold standard. The origins of money and the gold standard Throughout history, various items, from livestock to precious metals, have served as mediums of exchange. The gold standard emerged in the 19th century

Five reasons why you need to be at LibertyCon International

July 17, 2023

Announcement

Step into a vibrant world of freedom and possibility at LibertyCon International on February 2-4, 2024! Immerse yourself in captivating discussions, electrifying talks, and a dynamic atmosphere that will reignite your passion for individual rights, limited government, and free markets. Prepare to be inspired and challenged as you join a community of liberty enthusiasts who are changing the world! 1: Meet the influencers shaping the liberty movement Rub shoulders with the fearless champions of liberty at LibertyCon. Engage with thought leaders, activists, and experts who have left

Five books to understand classical liberalism

July 6, 2023

Basic Economics

Ready to dive into the captivating world of classical liberal literature but not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered! Whether you’re new to the world of classical liberalism or seeking to expand your knowledge, these five books are key to unlocking a deeper appreciation of its core tenets. 1. On Liberty, by John Stuart Mill (1859) On Liberty is a renowned philosophical work by John Stuart Mill, published in 1859. In this influential book, Mill argues for the importance of individual freedom and the limits of state authority in society. The core idea presented in

How classical liberalism played a crucial role in advancing LGBTQ+ rights

June 28, 2023

Civil Liberties

Classical liberalism, with its emphasis on individual liberties and limited government intervention, has played a crucial role in advancing the rights of LGBTQ+ people throughout history.  By advocating for principles such as individual liberty, reason, fundamental rights, and equal treatment under the law, classical liberal ideas have challenged societal norms, fought against oppression, and paved the way for greater acceptance and inclusion.  Let's dive into the fascinating intersection of classical liberalism and LGBTQ+ rights, examining real stories that exemplify the impact

A classical liberal perspective on the significance of Juneteenth

June 19, 2023

Civil Liberties

Juneteenth has long served as an occasion to commemorate and celebrate the end of slavery in the American South. First celebrated in 1866 as Jubilee Day in Texas, Juneteenth has been an official holiday in the Lone Star State since 1979, with many other states following suit. Commemorating the end of American slavery on June 19 has gradually gained traction nationwide, such that Juneteenth has been officially recognized as a federal holiday. After being passed unanimously by the Senate and 415-14 by the House of Representatives, the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act was signed into law

Debunking 3 myths about the French Revolution

June 14, 2023

History

The French Revolution is a pivotal event in history that brought significant political and social changes to France. However, there are many longstanding misconceptions surrounding this series of events. Here, we aim to debunk some common myths about the French Revolution and shed light on the realities of this pivotal period in French — and indeed global — history. Myth #1: The French Revolution provided equality for all It is often asserted that the French Revolution provided equal political rights for all. However, in practice, the principles of "liberty, equality, fraternity"

How Alan Turing’s tragic tale epitomizes LGBTQ+ persecution by governments

June 13, 2023

Equal Treatment Under Law

In June 2021, the Bank of England introduced a groundbreaking addition to its currency lineup: a new £50 banknote crafted from durable polymer that pays homage to Alan Turing (1912-1954). Turing was an English mathematician, cryptanalyst, and computer scientist who played a pivotal role in deciphering intercepted enemy communications during World War II. However, despite his invaluable role in defeating Nazism through his code-breaking expertise, Turing was subsequently persecuted by the British state due to his homosexuality. In a devastating turn of events, he was prosecuted for "gross

A history of free speech in America

June 8, 2023

Free Speech

Free speech is an immensely important aspect of what has made the United States the country it is today. The right to free speech in America is enshrined as a fundamental right in the First Amendment to the Constitution, meaning that individuals must be free to express their opinions, ideas, and beliefs without fear of censorship or government reprisal. In other words, Americans have a constitutional right to put forth dissenting ideas and openly criticize their government and political representatives — something individuals can be fined for or thrown in jail over in many other countries. The

China’s authoritarian export: the technocratic menace and global ideological battle

June 4, 2023

Civil Liberties

For over 70 years, China has been subject to one-party rule under the unashamedly authoritarian Chinese Communist Party (CCP). While the exact nature of Chinese communist ideology has shifted over time under various leaders, Chinese citizens have been extremely limited in their personal freedom. During the era of Mao Zedong, from 1949 until his death in 1976, China faced a series of humanitarian catastrophes caused by disastrous policies of central planning. The collectivization policies implemented as part of the so-called “Great Leap Forward,” the second of the CCP’s five year plans,

An assault on anonymity: the consequences of Vietnam’s new social media policy

June 2, 2023

Censorship

In Vietnam, a new regulation will take effect by January 2024 requiring all social media users to verify their identities in order to use online platforms. “Unverified accounts, no matter on local or foreign platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, will be dealt with,” declared Nguyen Thanh Lam, Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of Information and Communications. This move is a blatant violation of the right to free expression and privacy.  Under the new law, social media users will be required to divulge personal information, including their real names, government identification

Unleashing the power of rhetoric: how Deirdre McCloskey transformed the landscape of economics

May 24, 2023

Economics

In a world dominated by numbers and equations, one economist dared to challenge the status quo and unveil the true power of persuasive language. Meet Deirdre McCloskey, a visionary economist, historian, and writer whose groundbreaking ideas have reshaped the way we understand economic progress.  From dissecting the history of economic thought to unraveling the intricate relationship between culture and prosperity, McCloskey's intellectual journey has left an indelible mark on the field. But her contributions extend far beyond academia, as she fearlessly confronts social and political issues.  Join

What is free-market environmentalism?

April 28, 2023

Entrepreneurship

What comes to mind when we think of these two terms: free markets and environmentalism? Many people will assume that the two are incompatible — that free markets are detrimental to the environment and in order to reverse environmental degradation, more centralized control is needed.  Indeed, when considering solutions to environmental crises, there is often a bias toward top-down, centralized state solutions. The idea that it’s up to governments to “do more” to protect the environment against free-market interests has become increasingly popular in recent years. But while environmentalism

The tragedy of the commons explained

April 13, 2023

Environment

Easter Island, located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, is famous for its giant stone statues. However, what is less well-known is that the island was once covered with a lush palm forest. Over 800 years ago, the Rapa Nui people arrived and settled on the island. Gradually, the population grew, and so did their demand for resources.  Settlers began to cut down trees to create farmland, clear land for homes, and use timber to build fishing boats. As the deforestation continued, the island’s ecosystem was irreversibly damaged. Ultimately, the depletion of natural resources is often viewed

The TikTok dilemma: privacy risks vs the importance of free choice

March 30, 2023

Censorship

On Wednesday, March 29, 2023, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) pushed for a vote on his bill that would, among other things, ban popular Chinese social media platform TikTok. However, his bid to force a vote on the proposed legislation, the Restrict Act, one that some observers have called the Patriot Act for the Internet, was blocked by fellow Republican, Kentucky Senator Rand Paul.  TikTok has been under intense scrutiny for its data collection and sharing practices, with concerns raised about the platform's relationship with the Chinese government and its potential for mass surveillance

A legacy of liberty: the Portuguese Liberal Revolution of 1820

March 29, 2023

History

Many are familiar with Portugal’s Carnation Revolution that brought an end to the authoritarian Estado Novo regime in 1974 and paved the way for democracy. Still, perhaps fewer are aware of the fascinating circumstances around the country’s Liberal Revolution, which took place just over 200 years ago. The Portuguese Liberal Revolution of 1820 was a unique episode in European history. It was a series of events fueled by the Portuguese people’s desire for greater political and economic freedom. While its success in establishing a liberal Portugal was somewhat limited and short-lived,

The COVID-19 pandemic highlights the changing role of government

March 24, 2023

Civil Liberties

Not so long ago, the dystopian world of 2020 would have been impossible to foresee. Few could have imagined that many of the freedoms we enjoyed in 2019 would so easily be revoked. After what had been a largely positive decade, particularly for economic development and the reduction of global poverty, much of the progress has now been completely undone. Consequently, lockdowns raised important questions around the role of government. The world of 2020 would have been unthinkable in 2019 Most of us throughout the world have seen unprecedented threats to our civil liberties during

Women’s History Month: Meet 12 women who’ve contributed to a freer future

March 8, 2023

History

Women’s History Month serves as an opportunity to celebrate the many great women in history who have contributed extensively to the advancement of liberty. Unfortunately, designers of state school curricula are notorious for cherry-picking which historical figures should be studied ardently, while often excluding the contributions of women who have worked towards the advancement of a freer future. This Women’s History Month, let’s take a look back at some game changers who’ve paved the way for individual liberty. 1. Ayn Rand Ayn Rand (1905-1982), a Russian-American

5 speakers you don’t want to miss at LibertyCon Europe 2023

March 7, 2023

Announcement

LibertyCon Europe, Students For Liberty’s annual flagship event in Europe, is fast approaching!  Held in Lisbon, Portugal, on April 22-23, 2023, this event will bring together an incredible lineup of renowned and captivating speakers encompassing a wide range of subject matter expertise. With a confirmed lineup of over 20 so far and many more to come, here is just a small selection of the fantastic speakers you don’t want to miss at LibertyCon Europe this year: 1. Antonella Marty Antonella Marty, from Rosario, Argentina, holds degrees in International Relations

Who was Ayn Rand?

February 27, 2023

Ethics

Ayn Rand, a celebrated author and philosopher, was one of the most influential thinkers of the 20th century. Known for her bestselling novels, such as The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged, Rand’s ideas have had a profound impact on the fields of politics, economics, and philosophy. Born Alisa Zinovyevna Rosenbaum in Tsarist Russia in 1905, Ayn Rand witnessed firsthand the upheaval of the Bolshevik Revolution and the repressive communist regime that ensued.  Rand’s family had been well-off, but they suffered greatly under the Bolsheviks. The state confiscated her father’s pharmacy,

5 reasons to visit Lisbon in April 2023

February 20, 2023

Announcement

Are you considering attending LibertyCon Europe in Lisbon, Portugal in April 2023? If so, you certainly won’t be disappointed with the host city.  Lisbon is a destination that has it all – rich history, vibrant culture, stunning natural beauty, and a thriving business community.  Here are five reasons why you should make the trip to Lisbon for LibertyCon Europe and maybe stay for a bit longer: Location: Lisbon is well-located for international visitors. The city’s Humberto Delgado Airport offers connections to most of Europe while also serving as a hub

7 Ayn Rand quotes for living a fulfilling life

February 14, 2023

Philosophers

Ayn Rand (1905-1982), the 20th-century philosopher and novelist best known for titles such as Atlas Shrugged and The Fountainhead, developed a unique philosophical system. She termed this Objectivism. Central to her philosophy is the idea that each of us should hold our own personal happiness as our highest moral purpose. Throughout her writing, Ayn Rand argued that individuals must work towards developing their own mind and character in order to achieve their full potential and live a virtuous life. She emphasized the importance of reason, self-esteem, and independence in personal development

What is capitalism?

February 8, 2023

Free Markets and Capitalism

Capitalism is a term that has been subject to much debate and controversy over the past century and beyond. Commentators have disagreed fiercely over not only the merits of capitalism but also the meaning of the term itself. Nonetheless, a brief and uncontroversial way to define capitalism is as an economic system that emphasizes private ownership and the creation of goods and services for the purpose of profit. Capitalism can be viewed as an economic system that has been a driving force in many advanced economies, fostered growth and innovation, enabled people to lift themselves out of poverty,

Happy Birthday Ayn Rand

February 2, 2023

Philosophers

Ayn Rand, one of the most influential pro-liberty minds of the 20th century, was born 118 years ago today. Considered to be a novelist and philosopher in equal measure, she promoted Objectivism, her philosophical system, through many works of both fiction and nonfiction. Some prominent examples of her work include Anthem (1938/1946), The Fountainhead (1943), Atlas Shrugged (1957), and The Virtue of Selfishness (1964). Her writing had a profound impact on many of her readers and led to the emergence of the Objectivist movement, which promotes

NIMBYism: the real reason we don’t have affordable housing

January 10, 2023

Free Markets and Capitalism

In recent years, the already severe housing crisis in the United States and, indeed, throughout much of the world has only been getting worse.  Different observers are quick to blame this phenomenon on various factors, be it greedy landlords, vulture-like investors buying up all available housing to rent or leave empty, or even gentrification, where affluent hipsters colonize previously affordable areas and push prices up.  However, all of these supposed causes completely miss the ultimate cause of the housing crisis: NIMBYism. What is NIMBYism? The “NIMBY”

Join us in Lisbon, Portugal for LibertyCon Europe 2023!

January 6, 2023

Announcement

LibertyCon Europe, the continent’s largest annual pro-liberty gathering, is coming to Lisbon, Portugal, on April 22 - 23, 2023! Over 700 attendees and more than 30 pro-liberty organizations from across Europe and beyond will gather in the Portuguese capital for this event that is highly anticipated following the success of LibertyCon Europe 2022 in Prague, Czechia.  As always, LibertyCon Europe aims to educate and engage students, alumni, and partners around the most important issues of liberty today. For 2023, we will particularly focus on ideas and principles around free markets, an

Don’t believe the hype, Bitcoin is not anti-environment

January 4, 2023

Cryptocurrency

Bitcoin, a highly innovative, completely decentralized peer-to-peer digital currency, has seen an exponential rise in prominence and usership since its inception in 2009. Owing to its wide variety of uses, it enjoys unique advantages over both fiat currency and commodities.  However, in recent years, while Bitcoin has become increasingly popular, it has also gained many detractors. One of the charges leveled against Bitcoin is that it has a substantial negative environmental impact. But this charge is simply exaggerated at best, and downright false at worst. Aside from relying on,

What makes Bitcoin such a revolutionary concept?

January 3, 2023

Cryptocurrency

In the 14 years since the Genesis Block, the first set of 50 BTCs, was mined in January 2009, Bitcoin’s profile and impact on the global economy has increased exponentially.  The once notoriously obscure subject of cryptocurrency has now made inroads into the mainstream, whether it be casual speculators or people who depend on the cryptocurrency as a financial lifeline. Hundreds of millions of people around the world have begun to recognize the merits of the truly revolutionary concept of a decentralized peer-to-peer currency. The Bitcoin network was born when the open-sourced code

What’s happening in China: is the communist regime in trouble?

December 1, 2022

Civil Liberties

At present, whenever the world’s attention is not on the controversial Qatar World Cup, it is firmly on what is happening in China. The authoritarian, communist regime, ruled with an iron fist by Xi Jinping for the past decade, is seeing protests on a scale not seen in generations. Protests against China’s draconian zero-Covid policy have been ongoing since mid-November, but their scale increased dramatically in the aftermath of a deadly fire in Ürümqi on November 24. The blaze occurred in a residential high-rise and claimed the lives of 10 people. The efforts to tackle the fire and

The dark side of the Qatar World Cup

November 28, 2022

Human Rights

Ever since Qatar was announced as host twelve years ago, the 2022 FIFA World Cup has been subject to intense controversy. This is due to the country’s dire human rights record and the corruption scandal surrounding the awarding of hosting rights.  However, as the tournament unfolds, Qatar’s status as a fundamentally illiberal regime has increasingly become the elephant in the room. The deeply conservative country has claimed it is ready to welcome the world, but in practice, we have seen a succession of controversies that highlight significant differences in values between Qatar and

Here’s why population growth is an opportunity, not a threat

November 18, 2022

Environment

In November 2022, the United Nations announced that the world’s population is now estimated to have reached 8 billion — up from 7 billion as recently as 2011. This latest milestone has seen renewed alarmism from those who believe that the planet is already overpopulated. Indeed, many observers believe that some action is needed to prevent future population growth to avoid resource scarcity and ecological disaster. But is population growth really such a threat to humanity? There are many reasons to believe that, quite the opposite, population growth actually amplifies opportunities for tackling

Five myths about Ayn Rand and Objectivism

October 14, 2022

Philosophy

Ayn Rand (1905-1982) was a Russian-American novelist, playwright, and philosopher who has a lasting legacy as one of the foremost thinkers of the twentieth century. Her philosophy of Objectivism, presented throughout both her works of fiction and nonfiction, is groundbreaking and unique. Objectivism is consistently mischaracterized and stereotyped in popular media, and is blamed as responsible for any right-leaning political development. Here are five common myths that you may have heard about Ayn Rand. Myth #1: Ayn Rand was against charitable giving A cornerstone of Ayn Rand’s

Biden’s pardon of those convicted of marijuana possession is a huge step

October 7, 2022

War on Drugs

President Biden has made the momentous decision to issue a pardon for all those convicted under federal law for possession of marijuana. This long overdue course of action is a huge step in the right direction. For half a century, millions of Americans have been severely persecuted for mere possession of marijuana. Individuals who did nothing to harm others have been imprisoned and denied employment, housing, and educational opportunities. It is about time this terrible injustice is addressed. Biden’s pardon aims to rectify past wrongs While the pardon is arguably one of

Why Congress is broken

October 4, 2022

Announcement

For a number of years now, it has become increasingly apparent that Congress is broken. It has gradually evolved into a performative body wherein individual representatives are stripped of any ability to create change. A decade ago, Speaker Boehner restricted and Speaker Ryan subsequently ended the ability for members of Congress to submit legislative amendments. Since then, as the new house rules were maintained by every subsequent speaker regardless of their party, congressional power has effectively been controlled by the speaker of the House, the president, and the senate majority leader.  During

Libertarianism: perfect solution or unrealistic fantasy?

September 30, 2022

Announcement

Does libertarianism offer the perfect set of ideas to solve our problems, or are there a number of issues that it overlooks, making it an unrealistic fantasy? Libertarianism is an ideology that prioritizes individual freedom above all else, and there are a number of metrics by which we can demonstrate that greater freedom paves the path towards greater prosperity and human flourishing. They emphasize the idea that a number of positive unintended consequences arise from individual freedom, with justice and social harmony chief among these. For instance, we can put the books down and look

Five myths about the Great Depression

September 27, 2022

Economics

The Great Depression is one of the most misunderstood periods in American history.  It has become symbolic for American progressives. FDR’s New Deal is seen, and taught, as the great piece of legislation that saved America, and has become synonymous with big government programs that aim to do the same. But the idea that unchecked capitalism ruined the economy and big government saved us is simply a myth that is only “true” because it is repeated ad nauseam. Once you do a little digging, there’s more than meets the eye to this desperate period of American history. Here are

Why millennials should want lower taxes

September 20, 2022

Taxing

The millennial generation is well-known for, on average, supporting economic policies deemed as progressive, and being in favor of generous social programs, even if that means being made to pay more in taxes. Seeking to establish themselves amid the tumultuous economic landscape of the early 21st century, millennials have faced - and continue to face - unique economic challenges that are different to those faced by previous generations.  Naturally, millennials feel hard done by. Especially when considering how much average housing prices across the U.S. have risen in the past couple

Student loan debt forgiveness is not the sunshine and rainbows we think

August 31, 2022

Gov't Debt & Spending

Rising student debt is one of those issues that crops up every few years and is still grossly misunderstood. The cost of living crisis has been a catalyst to unearth this old issue once again, and predictably there has been great pressure on the government to forgive the debt.  To this end, with one eye on the upcoming midterms, President Biden has unveiled a plan to cancel $10,000 worth of debt for millions of graduates, and in some cases up to $20,000. The president’s plan raises important questions about fairness, as well as the underlying reasons why education costs so much in the

Neoliberalism and libertarianism

August 9, 2022

Free Markets and Capitalism

Anyone remotely interested in politics will have heard the term “neoliberal” being used at some point. It is often weaponized by detractors in an attempt to ascribe all the world’s problems to a form of pro-capitalist economic policy and thus classical liberal values in general.  But what is neoliberalism in reality — and how does it relate to classical liberalism and libertarianism? Neoliberalism and libertarianism share many common principles despite meaning different things to different people. Both trace their origins back to the classical liberal ideas of the Enlightenment

The Gadsden flag: a historic symbol rooted in classical liberalism

July 29, 2022

History

The Gadsden flag, with its famous depiction of a defensive timber rattlesnake and the motto “Don’t tread on me,” has commonly been associated with the liberty movement, the values of individual freedom, and opposition to coercion. However, much confusion has emerged surrounding the Gadsden flag’s meaning and significance, particularly in recent years. Over time, a variety of groups have attempted to appropriate the symbol as a representation of their cause, even if this cause is completely contrary to the ideas and values the Gadsden flag has been traditionally understood to represent. The

What to expect at LibertyCon International 2022

July 22, 2022

Announcement

This October, LibertyCon International will be back on the calendar for the first time since 2019!  Students For Liberty invites all friends of liberty to join us for our flagship event, LibertyCon International, which will take place in Miami, FL on October 14-15, 2022. Here is a sneak peek of what we have in store for the largest international gathering for liberty lovers running for over a decade… 1. Every topic you could want at the forefront of the pro-liberty cause LibertyCon International will feature discussions on some of the most hotly-contested

A new beginning for the Learn Liberty blog

July 15, 2022

Liberty

This month, the time has finally come for the Learn Liberty blog to experience a new beginning! In the three years since Students For Liberty acquired the Learn Liberty brand, we have made great strides in developing powerful new video content. As part of the next steps to utilize this brand, the Learn Liberty website, which already hosts an extensive library of engaging written content, will now serve as the home of Students For Liberty’s global blog.  Following this transition, the Students For Liberty website will serve primarily as a platform for organizational updates and information

Why the gas tax holiday should be made permanent

July 6, 2022

Taxing

America is facing a cost of living crisis fueled by the highest inflation rate in over four decades. In early June, as inflation woes were compounded by disruption to supply chains, the national average for a gallon of gas surpassed $5 for the first time on record.  In response to the increasing struggle facing consumers, President Biden has called on Congress to suspend federal gas tax for 90 days. This has raised a number of questions around the various taxes, fees, and duties levied on gas across the country and their impact on consumers, along with questions around infrastructure

Why was this year’s 4th of July cookout so expensive?

July 5, 2022

Basic Economics

Inflation is the economic story of the year, and it doesn’t look to be going anywhere soon. Amid disruption to global supply chains and a period of unprecedented government spending, this year’s 4th of July cookout has been particularly expensive. According to a survey from the American Farm Bureau Federation, the overall cost of an average 4th of July feast is up by a staggering 17 percent from 2021. This correlates to a significant increase in the cost of groceries in general. Consumers are now paying significantly more for many 4th of July cookout favorites such as cheeseburgers,

We cannot let freedom of speech become a casualty of war

June 17, 2022

Free Speech

War is hell. It leads to tragic and unnecessary loss of life; it leads to suffering and pain for those who survive. But there are more subtle yet no less damaging aspects to war that people forget about. Politically speaking, war leads to a massive loss in civil liberties for those involved. State suppression of free speech is the clearest example of this menace. Vladimir Putin’s Russia: a pertinent example of wartime censorship The Russian state’s suppression of free speech leaves citizens with very limited options for voicing dissent against the war in Ukraine. Indeed,

New battlegrounds: liberty in a time of realignment

May 25, 2022

Democracy and Voting

Most of us have grown up with a particular idea of what left and right means when it comes to politics. There are many different combinations of views, but the broad assumption has been that the left fights for socialism while the right fights for capitalism. But since the 2010s, we’ve seen the nature of these battles change. With the rise of populism and the culture war, the factions people identify and ally with are shifting dramatically. In the 2020s, this phenomenon shows no signs of fading away. But what is driving this sense of political realignment and what might the future

What Elon Musk buying Twitter means for social media and free speech

April 27, 2022

Free Speech

On April 25, 2022, entrepreneur Elon Musk was successful in purchasing Twitter for a sum of around $44 billion.  Musk has pledged significant changes to the social media platform and has often affirmed a commitment to free speech, but what will this takeover actually mean for the future of these things? Elon Musk’s takeover of Twitter is a case of the market providing The decision by Elon Musk to pursue sole proprietorship is a response to widespread dissatisfaction with Twitter’s content moderation policies.  There has been growing public outrage over Twitter’s

Five myths about inflation

April 12, 2022

Basic Economics

Around the world, many countries, including the United States, are seeing inflation rates rise higher than we’ve seen in a generation. Yet there are a number of myths going around about inflation that many people believe. Some of these myths about inflation are particularly convenient for governments, who get to excuse their own behavior and put the blame elsewhere. Inflation is fundamentally a monetary phenomenon. From 1980 to 2020, the annual growth in the money supply stood at less than 6 percent. But since 2020, this rate has tripled.  As the government has been running out

The Prague Spring: planting the seeds of freedom

April 6, 2022

Civil Liberties

A period of reform and liberalization driven by a popular movement against authoritarianism, the Prague Spring of 1968 was a brief yet significant episode in modern European history.  It has a legacy that proved influential in the eventual downfall of the Eastern Bloc a generation later, and continues to inspire to this day. How did the Prague Spring come about? Under the hardline communist leadership of Antonín Novotný, Czechoslovakia was subject to years of political repression and economic decline.  Czechoslovakia in the 1960s was a highly centralized

Ukrainians stand defiant in the face of Putin’s aggression

March 4, 2022

Justice

On February 24, 2022, Vladimir Putin ordered a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This unprovoked, brutal, and irrational move came after months of assurances from Russia’s authoritarian leader that the mobilization of troops along the Ukrainian border was a mere military exercise. Officially, the Russian regime has packaged this war of aggression as a “special military operation” to demilitarize and “denazify” Ukraine, which it accuses of presenting a serious threat to Russia’s national security as well as persecuting its Russian-speaking minority. But Putin’s narrative, driven by

What makes Ayn Rand so significant

February 28, 2022

Ethics

When people think of terms such as capitalism, individualism, or selfishness, one name comes to mind: Ayn Rand. A Russian-American novelist and philosopher, famous for books such as Atlas Shrugged, The Fountainhead, and We the living. Yet, the 20th century was full of influential thinkers who turned the tide of global political and economic trends, so what made Ayn Rand stand out as so significant? Objectivism: a unique philosophical system Throughout her work, whether in fiction or nonfiction, Ayn Rand (1905-1982), promoted a unique philosophical system

Freedom Convoy: Justin Trudeau chooses repression over removing mandates

February 19, 2022

Civil Liberties

Canada is in a state of turmoil amid the Freedom Convoy and protests against government vaccine restrictions and mandates. Justin Tudeau’s government has granted itself powers designed for a national crisis, allowing it to deploy the military, prohibit gatherings, suspend insurance, seize funds, and even direct labor. The powers invoked under the Emergencies Act have extremely serious implications — effectively treating protesters as domestic terrorists. This crisis has changed from a minor dispute on the legitimacy of vaccine policy to an existential question on the legitimacy

Ukraine’s foreign policy is a matter for Ukrainians, not Putin

February 10, 2022

Government

Ukraine has now been a sovereign and independent nation for over 30 years. As a sovereign and independent nation, Ukraine’s foreign policy is not a matter to be determined by Russia, the United States, or the European Union — it is a matter for Ukrainians.  Russian leader Vladimir Putin clearly disagrees. As Ukraine pursues a policy of closer alignment with the West, its relations with Russia have deteriorated to the point of being on the brink of a full-scale war.  Right now, over 100,000 Russian troops are deployed along the Ukrainian border, ready for a potential conflict

What’s been happening with the protests in Kazakhstan?

January 14, 2022

Civil Liberties

In recent weeks, the Central Asian nation of Kazakhstan has witnessed anti-government protests on a scale not seen during its three decades of independence.  Despite many years of authoritarian rule and corruption, this sudden wave of protests has still been a surprise to many in a country lacking organized political opposition. Regardless of the outcome, there is a clear appetite for meaningful change among the people of Kazakhstan. How did Kazakhstan get to this point? Kazakhstan became an independent nation in 1991 as part of the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

The post-Soviet world, 30 years on

December 28, 2021

Civil Liberties

December 2021 marked 30 years since the collapse and dissolution of the Soviet Union, history’s most prominent example of humanity’s failed experiment with socialism.  After decades of one-party rule and strict  government control over almost every aspect of society, the 15 former Soviet Socialist Republics found themselves presented with unprecedented choices in how to govern themselves. Before its collapse, the Soviet Union had faced a prolonged era of economic stagnation as the colossal bureaucracy involved in centrally planning the Soviet economy could not adapt to the requirements

Build Back Better is more about handouts than human infrastructure

December 11, 2021

Economics

If passed, the ambitious legislative plan proposed by Joe Biden, known as “Build Back Better,” will be the defining achievement of his Presidency.  Elements of this agenda have been implemented over the course of 2021, while other more contentious aspects are still subject to ongoing deliberation and debate. In theory, it’s supposed to be a public spending plan to fix America’s crumbling infrastructure. In reality, it’s scope is far broader than that. Social and climate change policy has crept into the legislation and the bill is riddled with handouts for special interest groups

A tax on unrealized capital gains would have unprecedented destructive potential

November 6, 2021

Economics

The increasingly popular idea that simply ramping up taxes on billionaires such as Jeff Bezos or Elon Musk could solve all the world’s problems is completely misguided and has outcomes that would harm everyone.  On October 27, 2021, Ron Wyman (D-OR), the Senate Finance Committee Chairman, put forward a proposal for a “billionaire tax” aimed at generating more tax revenue to fund President Biden’s infrastructure projects. If levied, this “billionaire tax” would be a completely unheard of idea as it would involve taxing capital gains on unsold assets. This proposed tax on unrealized

Objectivism: a philosophical defense of liberty

October 22, 2021

Ethics

When you offer a defense of liberty, you may be tempted to frame the argument in terms of outcomes. Freedom is a good thing, you say, because it results in good things that benefit people such as human flourishing, so this is a principle we should adhere to. While there is a utilitarian case for liberty, it is far more important, compelling, and legitimate to defend liberty from the perspective of individual, inalienable rights. Where do individual rights come from? When you make the case for a rights-based conception of liberty, the first issue you come across is the source of

We cannot continue to ignore the root causes of America’s debt crisis

October 16, 2021

Debt

Addressing the debt ceiling may have been pushed further down the road, but the root causes of America’s debt crisis need addressing without delay. Of late, America’s debt crisis has been causing significant political turmoil. Much of this rests on a funding bill that passed the House of Representatives in September 2021, with voting entirely along party lines. Attached to this bill was a rise in the United States debt ceiling, the legislative limit on debt incurred by the treasury. In the Senate, the bill needed to secure an unlikely minimum of 60 votes to avoid a filibuster.

Atlas Shrugged: a masterpiece with a lasting impact

October 10, 2021

Ethics

Atlas Shrugged, Ayn Rand’s final and most influential novel, was first published on October 10, 1957.  No ordinary novel, Atlas Shrugged explores important philosophical concepts pertaining to reason, individualism, capitalism, and liberty. Indeed, it was in this novel that Rand developed the most complete presentation of her philosophy of Objectivism that can be found in any of her works of fiction. Since its publication, Atlas Shrugged has become a cornerstone of pro-liberty literature, with its groundbreaking depiction of the virtues of individualism and the failings

7 shocking incidents created by lockdown restrictions

September 9, 2021

Civil Liberties

Over the past year and a half, attempts to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic have involved governments around the world seizing new powers and further expanding the scope of the state. Lockdown restrictions have seen disruption to normal life for almost everyone. However, some authorities have taken their new privileges to a level beyond what any reasonable government should be able to do, and led to a range of truly shocking incidents. 1. In the Philippines, a man was fatally shot over a curfew violation In August, a man was shot dead in the Philippines over a curfew

A global minimum tax rate will stifle competition and hurt consumers

September 4, 2021

Basic Economics

In June 2021, G7 finance ministers agreed to a plan for major global tax reforms that would include a push to implement a global minimum tax rate. It subsequently received the backing of the G20 and is expected to be agreed upon by a majority of governments. However, a global minimum tax rate is a terrible idea that will hurt global trade and restrict competition. While promoted as primarily targeting major multinational corporations seeking to shift their profits and avoid higher taxes, these same corporations are set to be the least impacted by the changes, to the extent that most

Australia’s draconian lockdown restrictions must end

August 25, 2021

Civil Liberties

In Australia, government policy throughout the COVID-19 pandemic has consisted of keeping borders closed and implementing snap lockdowns any time new cases emerge. Throughout the pandemic, Australia’s government has chosen the path of increasingly severe restrictions to combat COVID-19. However, a year of authoritarian policies such as stay-at-home orders, the closure of workplaces, and the prohibition of most leisure activities have not only failed to reduce the infection rate but have also taken their toll on the continued cooperation of a weary population. In spite of these

The fight for freedom in Cuba

July 29, 2021

Civil Liberties

In recent weeks, Cuba has seen an unprecedented wave of protests against the ruling communist regime. Open dissent in the one-party state has been rare since Marxist-Leninist revolutionaries, led by Fidel Castro, seized power in 1959 following the Cuban Revolution. However, Cuba’s worsening economic situation has seen an already impoverished population increasingly desperate for change. As things stand, even finding basic necessities in Cuba can prove extremely challenging. Desperation means that an unprecedented number of Cubans see no alternative to taking to the streets, despite the

Pro-democracy protesters in Myanmar suffer brutal repression

March 10, 2021

Civil Liberties

At present, the situation in Myanmar is dire. In the aftermath of the military coup in early February, pro-democracy protesters continue to be brutally repressed by Burmese military forces, known as the Tatmadaw. Around the world, observers are disturbed by ongoing reports of human rights abuses and violence against civilians. Sadly, this is not the first time that this Southeast Asian country of some 53 million inhabitants has been subjected to military dictatorship. In order to understand the current state of affairs, it is useful to take into account Myanmar’s troubled past. Myanmar: