Analysis of the libertarian narrative:

how do conservative ideas become “novel”?

Abstract

The present work tries to carry out a critical reflection on the libertarian narrative to inquire the tacit strategies used to revitalize conservative ideas in the social imaginary. The first part of the article describes the main characteristics of libertarian thought; namely, the rhetorical use of argumentative fallacies; politically incorrect performance; moralism and demonization of leftist movements; the rejection of the "political caste" and the defense of an ad hoc liberalism. Then, it’s analyzed the underlying assumptions within the libertarian discourse that resonate with aspects of contemporary subjectivities where a (neo)conservative thought can develop. Said analysis was based on three axes: the horror of moral decadence and the subversion of roles; apoliticalism and rejection of political figures; and, finally, extreme individualism and the exaltation of a freedom dependent on the logic of the market. It reflects on how these aspects are used by libertarianism to recompose, ultimately, the hegemony of the neoliberal project.