Globalism and Limited Government – Contrary or Complementary?: A New Agenda for a Neo(Libertarian) World Order
Abstract This chapter challenges the prevailing libertarian hostility toward political globalism and a potential world-spanning polity. Martin van Staden argues that such a polity is likely inevitable due to historical trends of political consolidation, intensifying globalisation, and the growing authority of international institutions. Rather than reflexively opposing it through boycott or denial - which could prove counterproductive - libertarians should engage constructively to shape its constitutional design in a freedom-enhancing direction. The paper distinguishes globalisation (economic and cultural interconnectedness, generally positive) from globalism (political integration via supranational institutions). It critiques the paleolibertarian preference for multiple sovereign nation-states as a form of decentralisation, arguing that this confuses “estate” (private property) with “State” and often fails to limit power or provide genuine exit options. Sovereign states do not inherently check one another…