Libertarians vs. conservatives on foreign policy and military spending issues

Both libertarians and conservatives want to keep America safe. We differ on how best to do that. Most libertarians believe our attempts to create or support democracy around the world have made us new enemies, and done harm as well as good. We want less military spending.

Some conservatives respond to that by calling us isolationists, but we’re not. I want to participate in the world; I just don’t want to run it. I’m glad Americans trade with other countries — trade both goods and people. It’s great we sell foreigners our music, movies, ideas, etc. And through dealing with them, we also learn from what they do best.