Libertarianism is a political philosophy centered on the belief that individuals should have the maximum possible freedom to pursue their own lives, with minimal interference from the government. Rooted in the principles of classical liberalism, libertarianism advocates for a limited government whose primary role is to protect individual rights and maintain peace. It emphasizes personal responsibility, free markets, and the belief that voluntary exchange is the foundation of a prosperous society. At its core, libertarianism seeks to protect the rights of individuals to live as they see fit, free from the coercive power of the state.

The history of libertarian thought can be traced back to influential philosophers such as John Locke, who argued for the natural rights of individuals to life, liberty, and property. His ideas formed the intellectual groundwork for the concept of limited government, which would later be expanded by thinkers like Adam Smith, who promoted the idea of free markets. The Enlightenment era, with its focus on reason, individualism, and skepticism of authority, provided a fertile ground for the development of libertarian ideas. In the 20th century, libertarianism gained further prominence through the works of economists such as Friedrich Hayek and Milton Friedman, who critiqued the expansion of government power and emphasized the importance of individual liberty in economic affairs.

Libertarianism's role in modern politics is to challenge the prevailing trend toward ever-expanding government intervention in people's lives. Libertarians argue that many of society's problems are caused by government overreach, and that solutions should instead focus on allowing individuals to make their own decisions, free from state-imposed constraints.