PRAISE OF FOLLY: STATISM AND THE ALT-RIGHT

A discussion between Affirmative Right assistant editor Andy Nowicki and Todd Lewis of the "Praise of Folly" Youtube channel concerning the affinity of many on the Alt-Right for excessive statism. It would seem that such an approach amounts to throwing the baby out with the bathwater. One of the great achievements of Western civilization is the idea of the rights of the individual, the autonomy of civil society, and limitations on the power of rulers. This is an essential element of the Western heritage, and those who wish to reject it would seem to be disregarding a major Western political tradition in favor of Eastern despotism.

IN DEFENCE OF STATISM

by Colin Liddell

"Every anarchist is a baffled dictator" ～ Benito Mussolini

My esteemed colleague Andy Nowicki has just penned an interesting piece denouncing certain perceived proclivities in the motivations of members of the Alt-Right in distancing themselves from Libertarianism. His article "In Defence of Anti-Statism" draws attention to two factors that supposedly drive anti-Libertarian tendencies in the Alt-Right, namely a wish to signal "intellectual maturity" and a desire to bluster about the up-side of authoritarianism. In particular, he takes issue with the notion that some people want to rule.

These observations are sure to prove controversial as many of the best and brightest on the Alt-Right found their way here over the loose and shifting sands of the Libertarian desert. I expect triggering aplenty and the rustling of jimmies.

IN DEFENSE OF ANTI-STATISM

by Andy Nowicki

Among alt-right commentators today, there is a general trend to sneer at libertarianism, as well as its more radical incarnation, anarcho-capitalism. The ultimate source of this cultivated sensibility seems to trace back to two main motivations: