Giving Ventures Ep. 86 - The Libertarians
May 27, 2025
Katherine Mangu-Ward, Editor-in-Chief of Reason Magazine, and Peter Goettler, President and CEO of the Cato Institute, dive deep into the essence of libertarianism. They discuss the challenges of defining libertarianism and whether it fits on the traditional political spectrum. With a focus on freedom, they explore historical libertarian influences on trade and governance. The conversation also touches on the appeal of libertarian ideals to the youth, coalition-building, and the importance of upholding the rule of law in a rapidly changing political landscape.
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Left‑Right Labels Are Limiting
- Peter Goettler argues left-right labels are limiting and hinder persuasion across coalitions.
- He says libertarians can work with both left and right to advance liberty-focused policies.
Freedom Includes Economic Liberty
- Katherine Mangu‑Ward frames libertarianism as valuing freedom in both personal and economic spheres.
- She emphasizes reminding people that economic freedom is as important as personal liberty.
Former ACLU Donors Feeling Homeless
- Katherine describes former ACLU donors who feel politically homeless after shifts on civil liberties.
- She uses their surprise alliances to illustrate changing partisan alignments.