Geolibertarianism - Philosophical Concept | Alexandria
Geolibertarianism: A philosophy that weds the libertarian commitment to individual liberty with the Georgist principle that land, being a gift of nature, should be commonly owned, its value captured for public revenue. Often misunderstood simply as a subset of libertarianism or Georgism, geolibertarianism attempts a synthesis hinting at a radical departure from both parent ideologies.
While neither "geolibertarianism" nor its specific combination of ideas existed in antiquity, its philosophical roots run deep, finding echoes in thinkers who grappled with the ethical implications of property ownership. The lineage can arguably be traced to the late 19th century, most notably in the writings of Henry George, particularly “Progress and Poverty” (1879), which advocated for a single tax on land value. While George did not identify as a libertarian, his ideas resonated with individualist anarchists of the period, who saw mutualism and land reform as pathways to a truly free society – a subtle, yet profound moment in the history of economic and social thought ripe for further exploration.
The formal articulation of geolibertarianism as a distinct philosophy emerged later in the 20th century, influenced by thinkers like Spencer Heath, who advocated for "geonomic" communities based on voluntary association and land rent sharing. Different interpretations subsequently appeared - is it solely land value, or should resource rents from minerals and other natural resources also be included? This ambiguity hints at the ongoing, dynamic nature of the ideology. Geolibertarianism has found supporters across the political spectrum, unified by the belief that both individual liberty and equitable access to land are essential for a just society.
Today, geolibertarianism remains a relatively niche philosophy grappling with contemporary issues such as environmental sustainability, wealth inequality, and technological disruptions. The question of how to fairly implement a land value tax in a globalized economy, while simultaneously upholding individual rights, presents a continuing challenge. Does geolibertarianism offer a viable path toward a more just and sustainable future, or is it merely a utopian ideal? The answer, like the very ground beneath our feet, may be more complex than it appears.