The “Economic Power” Canard

The “Economic Power” Canard

By Murray N. Rothbard, Mises Wire | August 11, 2025 A very common criticism of the libertarian position runs as follows: Of course we do not like violence, and libertarians perform a useful service in stressing its dangers. But you are very simpliste because you ignore the other significant forms of coercion exercised in society—private coercive power, apart from the violence wielded by the State or the criminal. The government should stand read…

The 'Economic Power' Canard - LewRockwell

[A selection from Man, Economy and State.] “Other Forms of Coercion”: Economic Power A very common criticism of the libertarian position runs as follows: Of course we do not like violence, and libertarians perform a useful service in stressing its dangers. But you are very simpliste because you ignore the other significant forms of coercion exercised in society—private coercive power, apart from the violence wielded by the State or the criminal.…