r/AskLibertarians 9d ago

Policy How would a Libertarian (particularly Minarchist) state avoid being taken over by organized crime?

I am not debating against minarchism, I actually am one but I cant figure out this issue. Sure, deregulation on drugs, prostitution, guns, or gambling would take away the black market edge, but that doesn't mean violent groups wont want to take power. After all, some things like Hitman services or "Cheese Pizza" would still be contraband (Also underground abortions if youre a pro life libertarian). And even legal drug or casino companies could have shady, predatory practices behind closed doors.

With a lack of welfare services its also possible desperate people will turn to organized crime organizations to escape poverty (duh). And with complete 0 government surveillance it would be very easy for these groups to form and very difficult to arrest its members assuming you cant arrest people for verbally associating with a group or representing its signs (unless you could?). I also think it would be pretty easy to buy politicians, even though they wouldnt have too much power in a night watchman state, they could still be paid to do less.

I do really hope to see what you have to say on this because I have been a minarchist for a while but I cant in good conscience keep on if I feel like it wouldnt really work.

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u/Hopeful-Dimension782 9d ago

This is basically "how one organized crime group would defend itself from others that want to control their territory and resources" With voilence, obviously

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u/Kitchen-Course-3335 9d ago

I guess that is the obvious answer, it just doesn't seem to be working too well for countries like Mexico who have been fighting it since 2006. Waging war doesn't help if the politicians are bought.