What is Libertarian Socialism?
Anti-authoritarian socialism built on worker co-operatives, local councils and voluntary federation.
On our 12-axis map it is defined by democracy rule (92%), local power (86%), freedom liberty (86%) and collective ownership (86%), and stays fairly neutral on markets, trade and technology. On the two-axis compass it falls in the Libertarian Left area.
What Libertarian Socialism stands for
Leaders should be chosen, criticized and replaced by the people, regularly and freely.
Decisions belong with towns, regions and communities; distance from power is a risk.
Privacy, free speech and personal choice come first, even when they carry risks.
Wealth and key industries should be shared, taxed and run more democratically.
Libertarian Left
Economic -3.1 · Social -7.8 (−10 to +10).
Biggest difference: power — Libertarian Socialism is more central (14% vs 2%).
Biggest difference: power — Libertarian Socialism is more local (86% vs 58%).
Biggest difference: power — Libertarian Socialism is more local (86% vs 50%).
Nearest historical thinkers: Peter Kropotkin (93%), Thomas Paine (84%) and Mary Wollstonecraft (80%).
Libertarian Socialism, axis by axis
Government
World
Economy
Society
Profiles are simplified summaries of mainstream positions; real movements vary by country and era. Methodology.
FAQ
Is Libertarian Socialism left or right?
On the classic political compass Libertarian Socialism sits at economic -3.1 and social -7.8 (−10 to +10), which places it in the Libertarian Left area. Economically it leans toward equality and collective ownership.
What does Libertarian Socialism believe?
Anti-authoritarian socialism built on worker co-operatives, local councils and voluntary federation. Its most defining positions are democracy on rule, local on power, freedom on liberty and collective on ownership.
What ideologies are similar to Libertarian Socialism?
The closest profiles on our 12 axes are Anarcho-Communism (93% similar), Democratic Socialism (87% similar) and Social Democracy (85% similar).
Am I a Libertarian Socialism supporter?
Take the free 12 Axes test: your result shows your match percentage with Libertarian Socialism and 30 other ideologies.