Murray Rothbard
American economist and anarcho-capitalist theorist · 1926–1995
Murray Rothbard was an American economist of the Austrian School who developed anarcho-capitalism. He argued that all state functions could be replaced by private markets and was a founder of the modern libertarian movement.
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Estimated from their documented words and actions. A simplification, not a verdict.
Wanted to abolish the state altogether and supported secession down to the individual level.
Rejected both democratic and autocratic states in favour of a stateless society.
Argued that the state has no legitimate claim to restrict individual liberty.
Opposed the United Nations and American interventionism abroad.
Opposed nearly all US wars and campaigned against militarism.
In his later paleolibertarian phase, he argued against open immigration.
Defended absolute private property rights and market outcomes.
Argued all economic activity should be left to voluntary exchange.
Supported free trade.
An agnostic who allied with religious conservatives in his later years.
His 1990s paleolibertarian writings embraced cultural conservatism.
No strong recorded view.