Behind the Bastards

Part One: The Not-At-All-Sad History of Libertarian Sea Nations

Nov 30, 2021
Dive into the whimsically bizarre world of libertarian sea nations! Explore the eccentric founders of floating societies and their impractical visions. Laugh at the absurdity of the Republic of Minerva, where dreams of freedom collide with territorial sovereignty. Catch the quirky tale of Minerva dollars, a currency for escapists. From pirate radio origins to the notorious Freedom Ship, this journey critiques the contradictions of seeking ungoverned utopias while highlighting the farcical nature of these maritime aspirations.
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ANECDOTE

Republic of Minerva

  • Michael Oliver tried to create a libertarian utopia called the Republic of Minerva on a reef near Tonga.
  • He wanted to build an artificial island with no taxes, welfare, or subsidies.
ANECDOTE

Tonga's Response

  • Tonga used aid drops and military force to reclaim the reef.
  • Oliver continued selling Minerva coins even after the republic's failure.
ANECDOTE

Principality of Sealand

  • Sealand, a former WWII platform, became a pirate radio station and declared itself a principality.
  • It's more about exploiting a legal loophole than libertarian ideals.
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