Populism

Is Milei Following Murray Rothbard's Playbook on Right-Wing Populism?

Why is Argentina's self-described anarcho-capitalist president surrounding himself with conservatives?

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Murray Rothbard | Bettmann/Getty
(Bettmann/Getty)

The December 2026 issue of Reason explores Argentine President Javier Milei's accomplishments and what is yet to be done.

Reason

Argentine President Javier Milei is frequently grouped with the U.S.'s Donald Trump, Italy's Giorgia Meloni, El Salvador's Nayib Bukele, and other world leaders under the label "right-wing populists." The comparison and the label sit uneasily with Milei's professed libertarianism and disdain for populism.

Milei's libertarian inclinations are very real, and quite longstanding. He calls himself an anarcho-capitalist. Murray Rothbard, the economist who helped develop and popularize the philosophy of anarcho-capitalism, is one of his heroes. (He even has a dog named Murray.)

Nor has Milei historically confined his libertarianism to economic policy. Asked about same-sex marriage during the 2023 presidential campaign, he replied: "It's a contract between parties. What do I have to say about it? Marry whoever you want." He went on to define classical liberalism as "unrestricted respect for the life project of others" so long as they do not violate another person's life, liberty, or property. … [Subscribe to continue reading]

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