Interns Debate: Libertarianism vs. Conservatism (Cato vs. Heritage)

Featuring Cato Institute Interns and Heritage Foundation Interns; with an introduction by Neil Saul, Student Programs Coordinator, Cato Institute; moderated by Charles C. W. Cooke, Editor, National Review Online.

Libertarians and conservatives alike claim to be advocates of individual liberty, limited government, and free markets. In some policy spheres, these shared values lead libertarians and conservatives to similar conclusions about public policy. As a result, popular political discourse often conflates libertarianism with conservatism, and proponents of “fusionism” go so far as to regard a libertarian-conservative alliance as being both natural and politically useful.

However, the differences between the two political philosophies are at least as significant as the similarities. On matters such as national security and foreign policy, immigration, criminal justice, drugs, surveillance, marriage and the family, and the role of religion in public policy, libertarians and conservatives often clash with one another.

Despite whatever similarities they may have, libertarianism and conservatism are substantially different political philosophies. So which one provides better answers to today’s most important political questions?

We invite you to a debate about the two political philosophies and their associated policy implications. Interns from the Cato Institute and the Heritage Foundation will go head-to-head to answer the question: Is libertarianism or conservatism the superior political philosophy?

Want to find the Cato Institute elsewhere on the internet?

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[zachjones]

I live in a Libertarian commune in Hawaii. We do what we want as long as it doesn’t harm other people. The price of freedom is responsibility.

[mikehoot]

Hayek conservative? Hahahahaha He has a post-scriptum called "Why I'm not a conservative"

[bobsmithdeeznutavenuelolEcHO]

Damn I was libertarian before I watched this now I'm a libertarian.

[scorpioal]

I find myself in agreement with the conservative side on some issues and the libertarian side on some issues. This was a useful debate to spark conversation and self reflection.

[nefspeaks]

"Drugs are destroying this and that!?" So is alcohol....making that illegal didn't work out but was only legalized to feed pockets. Drug war also isn't working..and has a much more profitable and safer alternative in decriminilization

[juanaraiza]

"Will legalization of drugs fix the problem" after given data on how legalization did fix drug problems

[QuanNguyen-mojv]

"When the government's boot is on your throat, whether it is a left boot or a right boot is of no consequence." Gary Lloyd
But to be honest, it's easier for an individual to fight against a small government than a big one.

[EMO_alpha]

I would love to side with conservatives on the drug issue honestly, but my heroin addicted friends who overdosed and my meth addicted accuaintences didnt care those substances were illegal and niether did the black market. And niether do my friends that have great work ethics and like to do a little coke on the weekend or smoke weed before bed. I think it might be time to try something else.

[danstewart]

Four years in prison has an equal but opposite influence on a person's character as does four years at Harvard.

[Clean]

Why can’t our political leaders be half as well spoken and truthful as these guys 😩

[danstewart]

*Faith in government is the triumph of hope over experience.*

[iamchillydogg]

The solution is simple, prohibit the government from initiating force.

[jacobsmitzenwaffenburgerst]

Imagine believing that the government has the right to regulate what substances adults put into their own bodies

[parkerwebb]

Libertarian views on drug usage are so clear. Data backed even. Its superior.

[joshwilliams]

A lot of conservatives get upset when they find out I smoke weed. If your for freedom than what's the problem with people smoking weed. I find myself inbetween conservative and libertarian.

[christianfreedom-seeker]

The Libertarian was much more professional. The Conservative often spoke without facts and philosophical support.

[neilstone]

Conservatives use the appeal to emotion fallacy

[rhorynotmylastname]

10:00 why'd she start a speech with Hayek when Hayek has a book (or more accurately essay) titled "Why I am Not a Conservative"

[Justin-hopy]

The “conservatives” made me move from sort-of libertarian/conservative to full blown Anarchocapalist...

[Accuracy]

Wake me up when the Mises Institute Ancaps arrive. 😉