Radio Rothbard

Ryan McMaken reviews a new book on the political institutions of the Middle Ages, The Medieval Constitution of Liberty: Political Foundations of Liberalism in the West. We find that it is in the Middle Ages that we find the origins of modern notions of political freedom, representative government, political decentralization, and limits on state powers. In practice, the politics of the "Renaissance" and the "Enlightenment" were steps in the wrong direction.

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In this discussion of Rothbard's seminal essay on the nature of the state, "The Anatomy of the State," Ryan McMaken takes a look at the state as a unique organization with a monopoly on the means of coercion. This organization, which is not to be confused with society in general, has its own ways of preserving itself and relating to other states.

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Ryan McMaken takes a look at Rothbard's seminal 1963 essay "War, Peace, and the State." We find that Rothbard was no pacifist, but supported defensive violence against aggressors. Rothbard also maintains war must be limited by respect for neutrals, and avoidance of weapons that target innocent non-combatants. 

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In this episode of Radio Rothbard, Ryan McMaken looks at Rothbard's essay "Nations by Consent: Decomposing the Nation State." The essay provides some key insights into the nature of the nation-state, its origins, and implications for modern-day topics like immigration, citizenship, and national borders. 

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Ryan McMaken looks in detail at an important essay by historian Ralph Raico in which Raico critiques Ludwig von Mises's views on democracy, fascism, and immigration. Raico suggests that Mises's views of democracy and immigration fail to address some real-world problems.

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Joseph Solis-Mullen joins Ryan McMaken to talk about the real history of the libertarian movement, and its origins. 

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Parental obligations can't be reduced to a contractual or property-based relationship. Jake Desyllas joins Ryan McMaken to talk about why parents are responsible for the well-being of their children. 

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In this lecture from the 2026 Libertarian Scholars Conference, Ryan McMaken looks at how the old classical liberal program of democracy and constitutions has failed, and why we need a more realist view of the state and its many crimes. 

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Foreign policy scholar Brandan Buck join Ryan McMaken to talk about whether or not a US tactical victory in Iran can lead to a strategic victory as well. And what does victory for the Iranian state look like? Are there any prospects for a lasting peace? 

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America has a long history of vibrant small business. But small business went into decline in the twentieth century, and it wasn't just due to large scale industrialization. Government has played a big role.  

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