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anti-war

We’re Already Against the Next War

We’re Already Against the Next War


Libertarians and all other decent people abhor war.
What can we do when those in control of armies are determined to use them?

Guernica, by	Pablo Picasso, 1937

Representing the horrible violence and grief of war.
Guernica by Pablo Picasso. 1937.

American foreign policy should emphasize peace with all nations, entangling alliances with none. We would end the current U.S. government policies of foreign intervention including military and economic aid; tariffs; economic sanctions; and regime change. We recognize the right of all people to resist tyranny and defend themselves and their rights. We condemn the use of force, and especially the use of terrorism, against the innocent, regardless of whether such acts are committed by governments or by political or revolutionary groups.

The Libertarian Party Platform (2022)

To the current point:
what should the U.S. Government do about the Russian hostilities against Ukraine?
The Libertarian answer is: nothing.

What should the U.S. PEOPLE do about the Russian hostilities against Ukraine?
This is where the conversation gets interesting.

“Don’t you support Ukraine?” they ask.


There are many levels of support possible between “Thoughts and Prayers” or a yellow and blue flag on your Twitter profile, and defending warmongers intent on starting or triggering a nuclear war.

For example: Food and medical aid. Most people could agree those are acceptable to offer to people in a war zone, and attacking people doing so should be discouraged and disdained.

Libertarians believe that individuals have the right to take action to defend another who is being attacked. They do not believe in taxing a population to send governmental arms and troops to another country.

Citizens going to help defend areas under attack? Quickly, we cross over a line of “providing material support” that triggers legal implications. But this is an expression of a personal sense of morality.

What about sending Crypto?


What about sending plans for building military-grade weapons? Now you’re in “ITAR violation” territory.