Jun
15
Waves of Freedom
Filed Under Libertarianism
This article at Reason discussed the efforts of Patri Friedman (Dad: David, Grandad: Milton) to establish anarcho-capitalist/libertarian societies at sea. The idea is to finally establish a place where libertarians and/or anarchists can live without the constrains of big government, without the hassle of political revolution or armed confrontation with standing armies over land already under government jurisdiction. The societies would most likely be made on platforms installed in international waters, and possibly mobile so as to allow competition among sea states. Friedman argues for “I’m taking my ball and going home” solutions to traditional political activism:
Libertarians, he says, expend precious time and energy on truly and self-evidently impossible paths toward political change. “Like the Ron Paul movement,” he says. “Lots of libertarians’ effort and millions and millions directed in a way that’s hopeless! For real change [electoral politics is] totally hopeless. Think how much more likely to succeed [libertarians would be] if that amount of resources were put into something that could actually work.” By which he means seasteading. And you have to admit: When you compare it to the likelihood of creating a libertarian world through American politics, seasteading starts to look more and more sensible.
The article listed a few examples of “Seasteading” that have been tried in the past, but with one glaring omission: The Principality of Sealand. I came upon Sealand’s wikipedia entry a while ago, and the whole idea seemed like something I would do when I finally achieve my goal of being a wealthy and eccentric old man. While hardly a libertarian endeavour (Sealand had a hereditary monarch and all laws were by decree), it did manage to coin its own currency and print some stamps. From the article, the most interesting part of Sealand’s colorful history is the 1978 ‘forcible takeover’:
In 1978, while Bates was away, Alexander Achenbach, who describes himself as the Prime Minister of Sealand, and several German and Dutch citizens staged a forcible takeover of Roughs Tower,[9] holding Bates’ son Michael captive, before releasing him several days later in the Netherlands.[citation needed] Bates thereupon enlisted armed assistance and, in a helicopter assault, retook the fort. He then held the invaders captive, claiming them as prisoners of war.[10] Most participants in the invasion were repatriatedat the cessation of the “war”, but Achenbach, a German lawyer who held a Sealand passport, was charged with treasonagainst Sealand,[9] and was held unless he paid DM 75,000 (more than US$ 35,000).[11] The governments of the Netherlands and Germany petitioned the British government for his release, but the United Kingdom disavowed all responsibility, citing the 1968 court decision.[citation needed]Germany then sent a diplomat from its London embassy to Roughs Tower to negotiate for Achenbach’s release. Roy Bates relented after several weeks of negotiations and subsequently claimed that the diplomat’s visit constituted de factorecognition of Sealand by Germany.[9]Following his repatriation, Achenbach established a “government in exile” in Germany,[9]in opposition to Roy Bates, assuming the name “Chairman of the Privy Council”. He handed the position to Johannes Seiger in 1989 because of illness. Seiger continues to claim—via his website—that he is Sealand’s legitimate ruling authority.[12]
The whole thing is kind of a mess, but I would love to meet the people who participated in all of this. Here is the nation in all its glory:
While the entire concept of seasteading is an interesting one, there are a few things that I would want to point out. First, I did not like how libertarianism and anarchism are used interchangeably in the Reason article. They are not synonymous, and I am not an anarchist, and not even a true-blue libertarian (I think of myself more as libertarian-leaning, a fellow traveller if you will). I also think that if such a colony were to be established to the extent that Friedman wishes, some government somewhere would find a way to oppress it sooner or later.
However, I have no doubt that the unrestrained innovation a marine colony would allow could overcome many of the logistical problems posed by such a venture. Also, I like the idea of a mobile citizenry, effectively able to “shop” for the government that best suits their needs.
Most importantly, the fact that advocates of freedom would be willing and able to move elsewhere to establish their type of society, I think, shows the moral authority inherent in libertarianism and capitalism over statism and socialism. Folks like myself are simply advocating for an order where individualism, commerce, and private property are not forcibly infringed on by government. If such a society were to exist, there would not be any obstacles for people to live communally and share property and resources if they wish. I have no doubt such places would develop. All we want is the abolition of force. A libertarian country could easily tolerate a socialist community within its borders. However, there is no room for a libertarian sect within socialism and communism. The state has implemented collective practices, like the Social Security Administration, and I am not able to opt out if that is my choice. I am forced to contribute my property to it. There is no choice. Any time a system is threatened by the availability of choice, it is morally deficient.
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10 Responses to “Waves of Freedom”
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[...] Excerpt from: Waves of Freedom [...]
Thanks for the link.
The whole thing is kind of a mess, but I would love to meet the people who participated in all of this.
Just FYI, while I don’t know any of the SeaLand people, two of the founders of HavenCo (the data haven company on Sealand in the 90’s) came to the first Seasteading conference, so I’ve heard lots about Sealand.
hey,looks like we’re on the same path. good stuff! come by and say hi! cheers Reginald Melchor
I agree, this is a great article.A successful blog needs unique, useful content that interests the readers
What is the budget and head count of the office of accountability?
What is in this number?
Good article, lots of intersting things to digest. Very informative
Great article . Will definitely apply it to my website
hey,looks like we’re on the same path. good stuff! come by and say hi! cheers Reginald Melchor
hey,looks like we’re on the same path. good stuff! come by and say hi! cheers Reginald Melchor