A pro-market, pro-merit, pro-freedom and pro-Indic civilization party, the Libertarian Party of India is promoting a vision of freedom to the worlds largest democracy. We spoke with one of their representatives.
“We are acutely aware of all the untapped potential lying wasted in the country with its demographics, geographic location and natural resources”
Can you introduce yourself to our readers, and tell us a bit about your party?
I am Tushar. I along with my mates were frustrated by the level of discourse going in India. We are acutely aware of all the untapped potential lying wasted in the country with its demographics, geographic location and natural resources. Libertarian ideas found resonance and offered a solution to our situation. Hence, we being of the entrepreneurial mindset decided to start the party. It started a year ago March 28th it started with just a website, few friends and an X handle. Within a year we are at 3 million impression of X and 3 million on Instagram. Each day new people who share our story follow us, contact us. They are from diverse fields and know things can be better with a libertarian system put in place replacing current socialist system.
“Ours is a federal system in constitution but unitary in practice. Hence our towns and municipalities do not have the sufficient resources or say in day to day functioning of civic life”
What do you see as the major challenges facing India and what policies is the party championing?
The biggest challenge we are facing right now is the over centralisation of power. Ours is a federal system in constitution but unitary in practice. Hence our towns and municipalities do not have the sufficient resources or say in day to day functioning of civic life. All these accusations flung at India being misgoverned is an bug of unitary system (similar to Ireland) than something intrinsic to the country. We have always been a strong country but a weak state. This over centralisation of power is an historical aberration and needs to be corrected.
“Free speech is essential for a free civilized society, power imbalances are managed by constant questioning and expressing diverse viewpoints”
If you could introduce policies to change just 3 things in India, what would they be?
Our top 3 Policies are:
Decentralisation – greater authority and budget allocation to municipalities to solve problems and experiment with solutions with people’s feedback.
Deregulation – reducing the scope of bureaucratic corruption and government (politician) intervention in the economy to let free markets operate and offer solutions to people’s problems. This will also lead to reducing tax burden which will eventually be replaced with voluntary contributions and fundraising.
Free Speech and Right to Self Defence. Free speech is essential for a free civilized society, power imbalances are managed by constant questioning and expressing diverse viewpoints. The related aspect of free speech is right to self-defence via arms because it’s human to take offense to different opinions but there needs to be some deterrence to ensure that the discourse continues to remain civil additionally voter lottery elects tyrants time to time it’s important to ensure that people can push back.
How can people find out more about what the party is up to?
With a general election in Canada being held on April 28. David Sabine is the Libertarian Party candidate for the riding of Airdrie—Cochrane. We spoke with David about his decision to stand.
“I am putting my name on the ballot to amplify voices who believe our federal government is too big, too costly, and too corrupt”
Can you introduce yourself to our readers, and tell us what made you decide to run?
I’m David Sabine, running for the Libertarian Party in Canada in the riding of Airdrie-Cochrane, a region near Calgary, Alberta. This western province is known for its rugged landscapes and its energy, agriculture, and forestry sectors. I’ve worked as a management consultant across Canada and beyond, earning degrees from the University of Regina and Arizona State University. I am putting my name on the ballot to amplify voices who believe our federal government is too big, too costly, and too corrupt.
“Albertans, known for their industrious and family-oriented spirit, value their freedom to run businesses and live independently. They’re troubled by Canada’s shift toward authoritarianism”
You’re the candidate for Airdrie—Cochrane. What are the main concerns in the area?
Airdrie-Cochrane faces intense strain from mass immigration driven by Justin Trudeau’s lax border policies — labelled “out of control” even by his own ministers. Albertans, known for their industrious and family-oriented spirit, value their freedom to run businesses and live independently. They’re troubled by Canada’s shift toward authoritarianism, with steep taxes, market interference, and declining rights like free speech and property ownership.
Federal mismanagement, mounting debt, and trade restrictions strike this region hard, where energy and enterprise fuel the economy. Alberta is a resource-rich province and clashes with Ottawa, the federal capital, sending massive “equalization” payments to other regions while facing Ottawa’s aggressive climate policies that throttle local industry.
Separatist tensions, simmering for over a century, are boiling over, with growing daily demands for Alberta’s Premier to hold a referendum on breaking away from Canada.
“cut the power of the administrative state, reduce bureaucratic bloat, end government debt, and enable citizens to shape their own prosperous future”
What do you see as the major issues more widely in Canada and if elected what do you hope to champion?
Libertarian-leaning voters in Airdrie-Cochrane are alarmed by Canada’s authoritarian drift characterized by excessive taxation, market intervention, the erosion of property and civil rights, and an ever-expanding censorship regime. Canadian author, Margaret Atwood, criticized Justin Trudeau and his Liberal party’s “creeping totalitarianism” — the root cause of Canada’s economic fragility and societal division.
Canada’s federal government is too big, too expensive, and meddles too much in provincial jurisdiction. Past Liberal and Conservative regimes have overreached as morality police, selectively enforcing laws to push specific ideologies. A Libertarian in Parliament would influence policy to cut the power of the administrative state, reduce bureaucratic bloat, end government debt, and enable citizens to shape their own prosperous futures.
Canada’s self-inflicted barriers, like interprovincial trade restrictions, pipeline bans, and supply management, inflate costs for essentials and trap consumers. Libertarians propose dismantling these barriers in pursuit of principled free trade with all countries. The Libertarian approach rejects central economic planning favouring individual liberty and economic freedom.
Canada’s economic hardship stems from Liberal mismanagement and their socialist base — trillion+ in debt, overregulation, and policies that stifling growth. The growing calls for separation in Alberta and Quebec underscore this fracture. Given our natural resources and adjacency to the largest economies on Earth, Canadians should be prosperous, resilient, creative, thriving!
How can people find out more or get involved in the campaign?
With a general election in Canada being held on April 28. Alex Joehl is the Libertarian Party candidate for the riding of Langley Township-Fraser Heights. We spoke with Alex about his decision to stand.
“I feel strongly that there should be a principled, liberty candidate on every ballot in the country… I can at least give the voters of Langley Township-Fraser Heights that option”
Can you introduce yourself to our readers, and tell us what made you decide to run?
I’m a husband and a father, but when you do a Google search of my name they call me a Politician.
I studied Journalism after high school, and though I no longer work in the media industry, my time at college helped shape who I became as a young man. After learning about this history of western economics and philosophy I began to realize that I was a Classic Liberal and immediately began to seek out a political party that shared my views.
I found the Libertarian Party of Canada and in 2008 I ran for office for the first time, under the LPoC banner in Surrey-North. I finished sixth out of nine candidates, garnering 347 votes (1%), and I was hooked on the democratic process. Only by putting myself on the ballot could I guarantee that there would be an option I could vote for in good conscience.
Since then, I’ve run federally three times, provincially three times, and ran locally for Mayor, for Councillor, and for School Board Trustee. I’ve never been elected but that has not deterred me. In 2023 I was selected to be the Leader of the British Columbia Libertarian Party (provincial). Even though we did not elect any candidates, we had the fourth-highest vote total of all parties.
I decided to run this time around because, well, somebody has to. I feel strongly that there should be a principled, liberty candidate on every ballot in the country, and while I can’t do that on my own, I can at least give the voters of Langley Township-Fraser Heights that option.
“Langley is one of the fastest growing municipalities in the country, so naturally a lot of the concerns revolve around infrastructure”
You’re the candidate for Langley Township-Fraser Heights. What are the main concerns in the area?
This is a brand new Electoral District this year. It encompasses a large portion of the Township of Langley and party of Surrey north of the Trans Canada Highway.
Langley is one of the fastest growing municipalities in the country, so naturally a lot of the concerns revolve around infrastructure. As the region grows in population the access to healthcare has not increased, and our public monopoly on healthcare has garnered horrific results, with thousands of Canadians dying each year while waiting for diagnostic tests, for treatments, or even just to see a specialist.
“the governments’ incessant deficit spending puts the nation further into debt, while also inflating the money supply”
Finances are a hot topic obviously — it is very difficult (if not impossible) to purchase a home without some sort of “Bank of Mom & Dad” contribution. Many people are struggling to keep up with their bills — Two-thirds are $200 away from not being able to meet their monthly commitments, and Canada has the highest personal debt in the Western world. Meanwhile, the banks keep benefiting from fractional reserve lending, watering down people’s purchasing power, and the governments’ incessant deficit spending puts the nation further into debt, while also inflating the money supply.
Yet, all we hear about in the news is Tariffs, Tariffs, and more Tariffs, as the U.S. president is challenging our economy with his protectionist policies. Yes, these are important to discuss, but Canadians are being harmed much worse in more ways that we can actually control and undue.
What do you see as the major issues more widely in Canada and if elected what do you hope to champion?
Canadians need to wake up to the source of all of our struggles – the Bank of Canada tinkers with our economy with artificial interest rates and enabling government overspending by monetizing their deficits. And the private banks thrive within the environment that allows them to add to their balance sheets without deposits to back up the credit they lend out.
“our healthcare system is broken, and we need to immediately make it legal for Canadians to obtain the best care they can acquire”
Meanwhile, our healthcare system is broken, and we need to immediately make it legal for Canadians to obtain the best care they can acquire. Canadians should not have to leave the province, or the country, to get timely, appropriate care for their maladies. Currently only a select few — which includes the federal police force and prisoners — are allowed to access healthcare outside the public system. I want to extend that to all Canadians by scrapping the Canada Health Act and extending what the province of Quebec won in the Chaoulli v. Quebec court ruling to the rest of the provinces.
I’d love to see tax reform because, after all, Taxation is Theft, our Foreign Policy needs to be drastically scaled back, and Firearms Rights need to be addressed.
But we can’t fix those other problems when our ability to save and pay for things are being challenged by government policy and people are dying waiting for a doctor visit.
“I am always looking for volunteers to help evangelize the message of liberty with me, so if anyone has some time to share, get in touch”
How can people find out more or get involved in the campaign?
This 2025 federal campaign will be finished as fast as it started. The new Prime Minister called an election and allowed for the smallest window for the campaign. There will only be three weeks between when I am confirmed as a candidate and the final election date.
Visit my website www.AlexJoehl.com for some unique content, and there you’ll find other ways to contact me, including email and my social media accounts.
I am always looking for volunteers to help evangelize the message of liberty with me, so if anyone has some time to share, get in touch with me and we can figure out how you can assist! Donations will not be accepted this time around, but hopefully a future campaign will be set up early enough to fundraise and mobilize some freedom fighters.
With a general election in Canada being held on April 28. Justin Leroux is the Libertarian Party candidate for the riding of Sudbury East—Manitoulin—Nickel Belt. We spoke with Justin about his decision to stand.
“I refuse to stand by while families suffer and the promise of our nation crumbles. For me, running is not just a choice—it’s a civic duty”
Can you introduce yourself to our readers and tell us what made you decide to run?
My name is Justin Leroux. I was born in Sudbury and raised in North Bay from the age of seven. I completed high school there and studied World Religions and Philosophy at university, initially preparing to become either a priest or a pathologist.
During high school, I completed a priestly assessment at the request of our Bishop. Although I passed, he encouraged me to gain more life experience and truly learn what I wanted to understand. That led me to study the essence of what it means to be human—through both spiritual and secular perspectives. Toward the end of my first year at university, I felt called to serve in the funeral profession, so I moved to Toronto to study at Humber College and began working at one of the city’s historic funeral homes, serving families of all cultures and beliefs.
I’ve since worked across Ontario, including as an assistant manager in Midland and later managing three funeral homes near New Liskeard. My time in funeral service was always centred on advocacy—supporting grieving families through hospitals, with municipalities, and sometimes even in discussions with medical professionals.
Following a back injury, I transitioned into IT services. Today, I run my own consulting business, helping funeral homes modernise and adapt to an ever-changing world. But throughout my life—whether in the funeral profession or IT—I’ve always noticed inefficiency, injustice, and above all else… waste. The sheer amount of it in our government is staggering. Our country throws money at problems it often creates, while families here at home go hungry, neglected.
I realised that so many of the issues we face are the result of artificial dependencies created by government overreach. I’ve lived by libertarian principles long before I even knew there was a name for them. I’m running because I cannot watch Canada continue down this road. I refuse to stand by while families suffer and the promise of our nation crumbles. For me, running is not just a choice—it’s a civic duty. When good people stay silent, the status quo persists. I want to be part of the solution.
“the cost of living has skyrocketed. In just a few years, prices have risen so dramatically that to call it “inflation” feels like a disservice to the lived reality of our people”
You’re the candidate for Sudbury East—Manitoulin—Nickel Belt. What are the main concerns in the area? This riding covers a vast geographic area and many diverse communities—farming villages, mining towns, and places that once thrived on forestry but are still reeling from the closure of their mills.
Despite the diversity, the concerns I hear across the riding are remarkably consistent.
Affordability is top of mind. Whether it’s groceries, petrol, baby formula, or heating fuel, the cost of living has skyrocketed. In just a few years, prices have risen so dramatically that to call it “inflation” feels like a disservice to the lived reality of our people. Residents are working harder than ever but falling further behind.
Housing is another major issue—both in availability and cost. In smaller communities, housing stock is limited, and in larger centres, it’s simply unaffordable. Young families are priced out of homeownership, and even renting can feel like a monthly gamble. Government intervention has made things worse, not better—artificially driving demand while restricting supply through red tape and regulation.
Mining and natural resources are the backbone of our region’s economy, yet federal policy often works against us. Punitive tariffs and excessive regulation discourage local investment, restrict our competitiveness, and allow foreign interests to benefit from resources we should be refining and utilising here in Northern Ontario. We need to stop handicapping our own industries in the name of political optics.
Lastly, there’s a deep frustration with bureaucracy and disconnection. Many residents feel abandoned by Ottawa—governed by decision-makers who have never set foot in our communities. It’s time for a local voice that understands not just our challenges, but our potential.
What do you see as the major issues more widely in Canada, and if elected, what do you hope to champion? Across Canada, we’re facing a crisis of identity. We’ve lost sight of individual responsibility and community-based solutions in favour of sprawling bureaucracy and centralised control. We’ve traded freedom for promises of security—and now find ourselves with neither.
“If elected, I will champion policies that decentralise power, cut waste, and restore individual freedom and accountability“
Healthcare is failing—not because of a lack of money, but because of how it’s managed. The system rewards waiting and inefficiency. Housing is unaffordable—not because of capitalism, but because of regulation, land mismanagement, and inflationary monetary policy. And most tragically, our children are inheriting debt and restrictions instead of opportunity.
If elected, I will champion policies that decentralise power, cut waste, and restore individual freedom and accountability. That includes:
Ending corporate welfare and foreign aid while our own people struggle
Repealing unnecessary regulations that make housing and small business unaffordable
Defending medical freedom and bodily autonomy
Introducing real monetary responsibility—balanced budgets and sound fiscal planning that will lead to eliminating the income tax
Empowering communities, not Ottawa, to solve local issues
Fighting for our First Nation Communities – They deserve to be free from an Ottawa that is oppressive and prevents their autonomy and freedoms in Canada. Some communities are still being stone-walled for valid land claims from the 1990s. That is unacceptable.
“I welcome all feedback, even from those who may not agree with everything I stand for. That’s the beauty of liberty”
How can people find out more or get involved in the campaign? You can visit nickelbeltlibertarians.ca to learn more about my campaign, platform updates, and upcoming events.
If you’d like to volunteer, share your concerns, or simply have a conversation, there are contact forms available on the site—and I welcome all feedback, even from those who may not agree with everything I stand for. That’s the beauty of liberty.
At the moment, I am few signatures short for my nomination in our riding, I have a way for people to send their signature or collect signatures from others at – Nomination – Nickel Belt Libertarians.
Together, we can restore freedom, responsibility, and dignity in our communities.
Sam Bidwell writes on Argentina’s nascent recovery.
“Milei promised to cut tax and spending, fire government employees, and get the economy moving again. 1 year on, it seems to be working”
In 2023, after decades of turmoil, Argentinians elected maverick libertarian Javier Milei as President. Milei promised to cut tax and spending, fire government employees, and get the economy moving again. 1 year on, it seems to be working.
But first, some context. In the early 20th century, Argentina had one of the highest per capita GDPs in the world – ahead of countries like France and Italy. Thanks to decades of mismanagement, the economy is now in turmoil – in relative terms, it has declined steeply.
In January, year-on-year inflation had soared to an incredible 211 percent. The country’s rapid inflation is largely the result of public spending. For years, the country has run large deficits, despite sluggish growth, in order to appease the public.
When the Government has been unable to cover the costs of this spending, it has borrowed or printed more money – resulting in inflation. For ordinary Argentinians, this has driven up the cost of essential goods and created an environment in which businesses struggle to grow.
Because of this borrowing and printing, the country has entered into a vicious cycle of debt defaults. Since 1980, it has defaulted on its debt five times – with the latest default coming in 2020. This is an incredible decline for one of the world’s most promising economies.
“When the Government has been unable to cover the costs of this spending, it has borrowed or printed more money – resulting in inflation”
Enter Javier Milei.
Milei is an economics professor, and a self-described anarcho-capitalist, who was first elected to Congress in 2021. He is known for his combative style, and for his contempt for the state. Incredibly, he also owns four clones of his beloved dog, Conan.
Milei emerged as a surprise candidate in the October 2023 Presidential race. After a close first-round, Milei beat establishment politician Sergio Massa to triumph in the final ballot, on 19th November 2023. So what has the maverick libertarian achieved so far?
First, he has cut state spending – aggressively.
He has reduced the number of government departments in the country from 19 to 10.
His new Ministry of Human Capital merges the previous departments of Social Development, Education, Culture, and Labour.
He’s also fired thousands of government workers.
“He’s ending provision of free healthcare to immigrants in Argentina and introduced new fees for foreign university students”
When he took office, the Argentinian state had about 341,000 employees – today, that figure stands at 317,000, with thousands more cuts to come in the next few years. Retained employees have seen pay freezes or cuts.
He’s ended costly subsidies for energy, rent, and transport, while cutting non-essential local government funding. He’s vetoed Congressional plans to introduce an ‘inflation lock’ on pensions in the country, and to increase funding for public universities. And he’s also taken action on immigration.
He’s ending provision of free healthcare to immigrants in Argentina and introduced new fees for foreign university students. He has also proposed plans to automatically deport foreign criminals from the country.
For Milei, Argentina is a country that needs to learn to live within its means, after decades of inflationary borrowing and spending. With inflation under control, the country should be able to win back international investors, and grow the economy.
“For international investors, falling inflation is a sign that Argentina can once again be trusted as a place to spend money and grow businesses”
But is it working?
Well, the country’s budget deficit has finally turned into a surplus – meaning that Argentina has begun to get its debt repayments under control. Month-to-month, the Argentinian government now spends less than its earns, setting the country back on the road to recovery.
As a result, inflation has started to fall. For ordinary Argentinians, the price of everyday goods has begun to stabilise. For international investors, falling inflation is a sign that Argentina can once again be trusted as a place to spend money and grow businesses.
The country’s most important stock index, the S&P MERVAL, tracks the performance of major Argentinian companies. Since Milei took office, the MERVAL has reached record highs – indicating that investors are beginning to return to Argentina.
Meanwhile, the country’s risk profile has begun to fall, meaning that it could soon enjoy the same premiums as its South American neighbours. The country’s bonds have also hit record highs on international markets, again signalling growing investor confidence in the country.
“Milei ended rent controls across the country early in his tenure – and since that time, the supply of apartments in Buenos Aires has risen by 170%, while rents have fallen by 40%”
According to the IMF, Argentina is projected to grow 5% in 2025 and 4.7% in 2026. That’s compared to 3% in neighbouring Brazil, and 2.1% in Chile – signalling that Argentina could truly be about to fulfil its enormous economic potential.
For many ordinary Argentinians, life is beginning to improve. Milei ended rent controls across the country early in his tenure – and since that time, the supply of apartments in Buenos Aires has risen by 170%, while rents have fallen by 40%. As a result, Milei is popular.
Despite his ‘shock therapy’, his party is leading in the polls for the 2025 legislative elections – and his approval rating stands at around 48%. Economic optimism is also on the rise and stands at the highest level since 2015.
Of course, with three years left as President, Milei still has significant challenges ahead of him. Argentina’s incredible “Milei boom” shows what politicians can achieve with sufficient commitment. It also shows us what can happen when the state gets out of the way.
By cutting burdensome regulations, reducing unnecessary spending, and challenging political orthodoxy, Milei looks set to turn around Argentina’s ailing economy. Politicians across the world could learn from Milei’s example – we should all dare to challenge received wisdom.
Sam Bidwell writes on Britain’s Overseas Territories.
“the UK hasn’t been self-sufficient in terms of food production since the 1750s – and in the 1930s, only about 30% of food consumed in the UK was produced domestically”
On the 4th October, the UK Government announced that it would hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius The handover puts our strategic interests at risk – but why? An overview of the Overseas Territories, and why they’re so crucial to our security and national interests.
Here is a map of Britain’s Overseas Territories Together, they form a network of staging posts that allows us to defend our interests abroad. But it doesn’t take a genius to notice that most of these territories are not close to the British Isles – so why do they matter?
For centuries now, Britain has been a trading nation, with commercial interests abroad. For example, the UK hasn’t been self-sufficient in terms of food production since the 1750s – and in the 1930s, only about 30% of food consumed in the UK was produced domestically.
Today, we import roughly 40% of our food and 37% of our primary energy sources. This means that we have an interest in the security of key trade routes and shipping lanes. Disruptions to these routes can drive up import costs, meaning higher prices for British consumers.
Even if Britain became more self-sufficient in food and energy production, we would still have overseas interests. Many of our largest businesses rely on their operations abroad to turn a profit. Also, we still need to collect military intelligence, to help us predict threats.
“The Overseas Territories are a crucial part of our efforts to keep trade flowing and exercise influence. For example, Gibraltar sits at the western entrance to the Mediterranean Sea, which accounts for about 15% of all global shipping”
Economic and military influence abroad also gives us a stronger hand when we deal with other countries – which brings us to the Overseas Territories.
The Overseas Territories are a crucial part of our efforts to keep trade flowing and exercise influence. For example, Gibraltar sits at the western entrance to the Mediterranean Sea, which accounts for about 15% of all global shipping. The RAF and Royal Navy both have a presence here, allowing for quick deployment into the Mediterranean or out into the Atlantic.
If the Strait of Gibraltar were disrupted, this would be a disaster for the flow of global trade – and Gibraltar helps Britain to keep it open. The Rock of Gibraltar is also an outpost for intelligence gathering, perfect for transmitting and receiving intel over long distances.
At the other end of the Mediterranean are Britain’s two sovereign base areas on the island of Cyprus, Akrotiri and Dhekelia from the RAF Base at Akrotiri, Britain can maintain influence over the other entrance to the Mediterranean, namely the Suez Canal. Akrotiri also allows Britain to maintain oversight of the volatile Middle East, both in terms of intelligence gathering and in terms of forward military operations. Akrotiri has been crucial in joint US-UK efforts to keep the Red Sea shipping route open despite Houthi attacks.
Ascension Island in the South Atlantic is home to an RAF facility, which was critical to the success of the Falklands War in 1982 It serves as a refuelling point for Royal Navy ships, a signals intelligence hub, and hosts one of the four ground antennas that enables GPS.
Further south are the famous Falkland Islands, now home to RAF Mount Pleasant. While traditionally not of enormous strategic value, a number of companies are now drilling for oil and gas off the coast of the Falklands – which we should be taking advantage of.
“The British base on the islands, Diego Garcia, allows the British military to refuel and restock when travelling between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. It is also ideally located for intelligence gathering”
Of course, the world’s most important shipping lanes are not in the Mediterranean or the South Atlantic – but in Asia. This is precisely why the British presence in the Chagos Islands is so important – it is a staging post for our operations in East Asia and the Persian Gulf.
The British base on the islands, Diego Garcia, allows the British military to refuel and restock when travelling between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. It is also ideally located for intelligence gathering, with easy access to some of the world’s most important theatres.
Diego Garcia complements British military instalments in the Persian Gulf, including our naval support facility in Bahrain, our military logistics centre in Duqm, Oman, and the RAF outpost at Al Udeid, Qatar. These instalments help us to ensure the free flow of oil.
Diego Garcia also complements British military instalments in Southeast Asia, such as naval facility in Sembawang, Singapore and our military base in Brunei. These instalments help us to ensure the free flow of goods from Asia to Europe and vice versa.
“What’s more, Mauritius regards China as a key ally – and is susceptible to Chinese economic influence”
Under the handover deal, Britain retains access to Diego Garcia for another 99 years – but this is a vulnerable position. After all, Mauritius promised that it would honour Britain’s ownership of the Chagos Islands in the 1960s, and reneged within a generation.
What’s more, Mauritius regards China as a key ally – and is susceptible to Chinese economic influence. Naturally, China has an interest in expanding its own ability to influence global trade routes from this key strategic position in the Indian Ocean.
The deal also removes Britain’s ability to use access to Diego Garcia as a bargaining chip when dealing with the United States. Allowing partners to use the Overseas Territories strengthened Britain’s negotiating hand – after all, we could always threaten to take it away.
Of course, not all of our Overseas Territories are of military importance. Caribbean territories like the British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, and the Cayman Islands offer favourable tax treatment, and widen access to capital for our financial services sector.
What is certain is that our Overseas Territories are a key part of a self-interested UK foreign policy – giving us military flexibility and influence, leverage over our allies, and the ability to protect key shipping lanes. Handing over the Chagos Islands was a mistake.
“Singapore was born – a poor city state, surrounded by enemies, and with no natural resources of its own. Yet today, Singapore is one of the world’s richest and most successful nations”
Today, Singapore is: – the safest city in the world – the world’s freest economy – #1 in the Ease of Doing Business Index But why has Singapore been so successful, and why is it such a great place for businesses? A on the reasons for the Lion City’s remarkable success.
First, some history. In 1819, Singapore was founded by Sir Stamford Raffles, a British official who believed that the site was perfect for a trading post. The city grew quickly, attracting traders from across the region who were drawn to the city’s ‘free port’ status.
Singapore was governed by the British until 1963, when the city became independent as part of the ‘Federation of Malaya’. However, the union was not a harmonious one. Due to political disputes – including race riots in 1964 -, Singapore was expelled from Malaya in 1965.
And so, Singapore was born – a poor city state, surrounded by enemies, and with no natural resources of its own. Yet today, Singapore is one of the world’s richest and most successful nations, thanks largely to the work of its visionary founding father, Lee Kuan Yew.
A graduate of the University of Cambridge, Lee had initially tried to make a success of Singapore’s position within Malaya. But with independence forced upon him, he worked to build the ideal “start-up” nation in Singapore, using the city’s natural strengths to his advantage.
“Over 99 percent of all imports to Singapore are duty free. Corporation tax is charged at a flat rate of 17%, and the city has no capital gains tax.”
He was ruthlessly pragmatic in pursuit of his vision. His decisions were guided by empiricism rather than ideology. As a result, Singapore grew from an obscure post-colonial backwater into a world-leading city. What exactly did Lee do?
First, he recognised that Singapore’s openness to business and trade could be one of its greatest strengths. Over 99 percent of all imports to Singapore are duty free. Corporation tax is charged at a flat rate of 17%, and the city has no capital gains tax.
Thanks to efficient processes, it takes an average of 1.5 days to set up a business in Singapore, and just 15 minutes to register a company online. That’s alongside strong IP protections and light-touch regulation – many businesses have their Asia-Pacific hub in Singapore.
In order to make Singapore attractive to global businesses, Lee Kuan Yew insisted that English would be the main language of administration in the city. Alongside English, Singaporeans also learn a ‘mother tongue’ – Mandarin, Malay, or Tamil – depending on their heritage.
But low taxes and English proficiency alone would not be enough to guarantee Singapore’s success. The city also has world-leading infrastructure, designed with comfort and ease in mind. Singapore’s port is the second busiest in the world in terms of total shipping tonnage.
Meanwhile the city’s airport, Changi, is consistently rated as one of the best in the world. Changi Airport serves more than 100 airlines flying to more than 400 cities worldwide. It is clean, comfortable, and modern, designed to ensure efficient layovers and speedy boarding.
“One of the tragic illusions that many countries of the Third World entertain is the notion that politicians and civil servants can perform entrepreneurial functions.”
Within the city itself, travellers can get around using the fully automated Mass Rapid Transit network – a clean and comprehensive urban transit system, complete with functional Wi-Fi. Meanwhile the city’s roads are rated as amongst the best in the world.
Much of this infrastructure is funded and maintained by Temasek, an investment firm owned by the Singapore Government. Alongside GIC, Singapore’s other sovereign wealth fund, Temasek operates like a private company, managing many of the Government’s assets.
Temasek uses private sector incentives in the public interest. “One of the tragic illusions that many countries of the Third World entertain is the notion that politicians and civil servants can perform entrepreneurial functions.” – Dr Goh Keng Swee, 1st Finance Minister
Singapore also has a zero-tolerance approach to crime, with impartial and efficient enforcement of strict laws. Chewing gum is banned in the country, and littering can result in an on-the-spot fine. Vandalism and drug use can result in harsh penalties, including caning.
These laws, alongside an efficient system of municipal government, makes Singapore the world’s cleanest and safest city. Singaporeans regularly leave their phones as placeholders in public places – a civic culture of cleanliness and orderliness is extolled at every level.
Singapore also invests in its people and maintains genuinely meritocratic systems for hiring and firing. The Government consistently invests in education. At schools, at universities, and in public life, Singaporeans venerate intellectual ability and promote those who succeed.
Its political system is meritocratic too, prizing stability and talent. Though Singapore holds free multiparty elections, the Government maintains control over the political process. Protest is strictly controlled, and the press is regulated to prevent seditious acts and speech.
“Stability, low taxes, an efficient state, and an uncompromising approach to public order. These are the roots of Singapore’s success”
The result is the most stable political system in Asia, and amongst the most stable countries in the world. The People’s Action Party, founded by Lee Kuan Yew, has led Singapore since 1965, ensuring stability and continuity across the decades.
Public figures – civil servants and politicians – are paid well, to ensure that the best and brightest are attracted into Government. The Prime Minister of Singapore earns about ten times more than the UK’s Prime Minister, and about four times as much as the US President.
But Singapore also has a zero-tolerance approach to corruption. Public officials who take bribes while in office are removed from their post, fined, and often jailed. Just this week, the country’s former Transport Minister has been convicted of receiving gifts while in office.
Stability, low taxes, an efficient state, and an uncompromising approach to public order. These are the roots of Singapore’s success. In building Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew was not guided by ideology, but by what works. He was a pragmatic empiricist through and through.
Lee’s story is a reminder that national success is largely the product of pragmatism, competence, and vision. By studying what works in practice and implementing it, we can change society for the better. No obstacle is too big if we set our minds to the task of national revival.
The great man himself puts it best: The lessons of Singapore and Lee Kuan Yew should inspire us all.
“Dubai’s remarkable growth is the product of shrewd investments, business-friendly tax and regulatory rules”
In just fifty years, Dubai has transformed from an obscure fishing village into a city of global significance.
Despite popular misconceptions, oil revenues contribute less than 1% of Dubai’s GDP today. You read that right – unlike nearby Abu Dhabi, Dubai’s economy is not powered by oil revenues. In fact, Dubai’s remarkable growth is the product of shrewd investments, business-friendly tax and regulatory rules, and an uncompromising approach to political stability.
Modern Dubai was founded as a fishing village on the Persian Gulf at some point in the 18th century. Throughout the early 19th century, Dubai – as well as other neighbouring Gulf states – fell under British influence. In 1820, these small Gulf states fell under a British protectorate.
“In 1901, Sheikh Makhtoum bin Hasher Al Makhtoum established Dubai as a free port, with no tariffs on imports or exports”
As early as 1900, Dubai began to emerge as an important port. Its location at the mouth of the Persian Gulf made it ideal for trading into the Middle East, India, and East Africa. This geographic advantage, and its openness to commerce, has been the secret to Dubai’s success.
In 1901, Sheikh Makhtoum bin Hasher Al Makhtoum established Dubai as a free port, with no tariffs on imports or exports. Merchants, particularly those working in the pearl industry, were given parcels of land, guarantees of protection, and religious toleration.
In the first half of the 20th century, Dubai grew in importance as a hub for trade with Persia and India. However, the city’s position was supercharged with the emergence of a new leader. In 1957, Rashid bin Saeed Al Makhtoum succeeded his father to become ruler of Dubai.
Sheikh Rashid understood the young city’s potential. He set about transforming Dubai from a small coastal settlement into a modern port city. He also understood the keys to Dubai’s success – openness to trade, infrastructure investments, stability and order.
“In 1966, more gold was shipped from London to Dubai than almost anywhere in the world”
He set about creating private companies to build and operate infrastructure. In 1959, he established Dubai’s first telephone company; by 1961, it had rolled out an operational network. The city’s private water company established a regular supply of piped water by 1968.
By 1960, the city’s airport had opened, with flights operating across the Middle East. In 1963, the Sheikh opened the first bridge across Dubai Creek, paid for by tolls. The airport was expanded in 1965 to enable long-haul flights and was expanded again in 1970.
By the late 1960s, Dubai was also a hub for the global gold trade – much of which was based on the illegal sale of gold to India. In 1966, more gold was shipped from London to Dubai than almost anywhere in the world (only France and Switzerland took more).
And again, this is all before the discovery of oil. By the time that Dubai struck it rich in 1966, it was already a growing port, with a solid base of infrastructure and a low-tax, pro-business environment. Of course, the discovery of oil supercharged Sheikh Rashid’s vision.
“Roads, bridges, hospitals, and schools were constructed in a construction glut which propelled Dubai’s economy through the 1980s. As the old saying goes, build it and they will come”
But Sheikh Rashid had the foresight to know that one day, the oil would run out. He understood that one day, the city would need to survive without oil – and so set about making Dubai a world-leading hub for regional and international commerce.
In 1972, Port Rashid was constructed and in 1979, it was followed by the Port of Jebel Ali, today the busiest in the Middle East. In 1978, Sheikh Rashid opened the Dubai World Trade Centre. Dubai Creek was dredged and widened in the early 1970s. In 1983, Dubai Drydocks opened.
Meanwhile the city’s airport was expanded, and hotels were opened for business travellers. Roads, bridges, hospitals, and schools were constructed in a construction glut which propelled Dubai’s economy through the 1980s. As the old saying goes, build it and they will come.
This infrastructure-first approach was the foundational principle of Dubai’s pro-business policy environment. By leveraging the city’s geography and encouraging businesses to invest, Dubai made itself into one of the Middle East’s leading trade entrepôts.
The city sits at the mouth of the oil-rich Persian Gulf, with convenient maritime connections to Asia, Europe, and Africa. By air, more than 50% of the world’s population is 7 hours or less from Dubai – again, ideal geography for an international business hub.
“26 free trade zones, companies enjoy a 50-year corporation tax exemption, and no international tariffs. Many of these free trade zones use English common law”
However, it’s not just geography and infrastructure. Dubai has no income tax. Corporation tax is low at 9% – and in 26 free trade zones, companies enjoy a 50-year corporation tax exemption, and no international tariffs. Many of these free trade zones use English common law.
These zones create an extremely business-friendly environment – many international businesses have their regional or global HQs in Dubai. At the same time, the state invests in the infrastructure – roads, schools, hospitals – needed to keep business travellers coming.
And speaking of business travellers, Dubai – and the rest of the United Arab Emirates – is home to a large number of foreigners. In fact, 88% of the UAE’s population are expats. The territory’s tax-free status and world-leading infrastructure attracts high net-worth individuals.
However, unlike in Europe, immigrants in Dubai live under strict conditions. They do not benefit from state welfare and can be deported at any time. It is almost impossible to become a naturalised citizen. In return, migrants get to make far more money than they would at home.
This is particularly true for low-skilled migrants, often from South Asia, who come to the country under the so-called ‘kafala system’. Under the kafala system, all migrant workers need to have an Emirati sponsor – if their employment ends, so does their residence.
Which brings me onto the final aspect of Dubai’s success – law and order. The city has a zero-tolerance approach to crime and public disorder. The Dubai Police employs drones and has an average emergency response time of 2 minutes and 24 seconds, as of Q3 2023.
“Despite popular misconceptions, its rapid rise owes just as much to sensible policymaking as to oil. Not everybody can turn a patch of desert into a global megacity!”
Sheikh Rashid passed away in 1990. He was succeeded by his son, Maktoum, who ruled until 2006. In turn, Maktoum was succeeded by his brother Mohammed, who rules Dubai to this day. Though Dubai has grown considerably since Sheikh Rashid’s time, the basic principles are the same.
In many ways, the principles that built modern Dubai are the same as those that built Hong Kong, Singapore – or even, historically, London.
Openness to business
Ideal strategic positioning
Shrewd investments in infrastructure
Pragmatic governance
Law and order
Whatever you think of Dubai, the city’s growth is one of the most incredible stories of the 20th century. Despite popular misconceptions, its rapid rise owes just as much to sensible policymaking as to oil. Not everybody can turn a patch of desert into a global megacity!
Yes, it really is true – as of today, less than 1% of Dubai’s GDP is generated by oil revenues. In fact, it’s commerce, financial services, real estate, and transportation that are the biggest drivers. The ultimate service economy!
“Hong Kong transformed from a second-rate port city into a global centre of finance and commerce. But how did it achieve this?”
In the 20th century, Hong Kong transformed from a second-rate port city into a global centre of finance and commerce. But how did it achieve this? An overview of the use of ‘positive non-interventionism’, the economic philosophy which powered Hong Kong’s rise to greatness.
Hong Kong Island was ceded to Britain in 1842, in the wake of the First Opium War. Its strategic location was ideal for projecting British military and economic power into south China. At the time, it was home to around 5,000 people, spread across several small fishing villages.
The city grew quickly, powered by trade with China and British financial interests in East Asia. By 1859, the island was home to some 85,000 Chinese residents, alongside 1,600 foreigners. In 1865, the now world-famous HSBC was founded in Hong Kong.
The Kowloon Peninsula was added to the territory in 1860, and the so-called ‘New Territories’ were obtained in 1898 under a 99-year lease. Thanks to the legal and political stability offered by the British, Hong Kong’s role as a trade entrepot continued to grow.
By the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939, Hong Kong was central to British interests in East Asia. The territory operated as a free port, with no tariffs on imports, which attracted merchants from China and Europe alike. And then came the Japanese.
In 1941, Hong Kong was occupied by the Japanese after eighteen days of fierce fighting. Japanese occupation was brutal. Civilians were regularly targeted for mass execution, banking assets and factories were seized, and a harsh rationing regime was imposed on the territory.
“he ensured that Hong Kong was granted financial autonomy from the UK, giving HK more freedom to make its own policy. He also resisted calls for a centrally planned industrial strategy”
On August 30th 1945, Hong Kong was liberated, and British control was restored. This is where Hong Kong’s remarkable rise really begins. In 1946, Sir Geoffrey Follows was appointed as the territory’s Financial Secretary and charged with recovering from the occupation.
Follows oversaw a rapid short-term recovery of Hong Kong’s fortunes. In October 1948, he ensured that Hong Kong was granted financial autonomy from the UK, giving HK more freedom to make its own policy. He also resisted calls for a centrally planned industrial strategy.
In 1949, the Communist Party of China emerged victorious from the Chinese Civil War. Capitalists, Chinese nationalists, and political dissidents who feared communist rule fled to Hong Kong. From 1945 to 1951, the territory’s population increased from 600,000 to 2.1 million. Follows’ emphasis on free trade and stability, alongside the cheap labour and expertise of these new migrants, laid the groundwork for Hong Kong’s economic miracle.
What was the ‘positive non-interventionism’ which shaped the approach of the next three Financial Secretaries? In short, ‘positive non-interventionism’ starts from the observation that Government efforts to shape resource allocation are usually damaging to growth, particularly in the private sector.
That’s the ‘non-interventionism’ – but what about the ‘positive’? Successive Hong Kong Governments recognised that the state can take positive steps to ensure improved market function – such as investing in infrastructure, maintaining law and order, and providing legal and political stability. That’s the ‘positive’ part.
“The territory had no income tax, and instead raised revenue through land value capture”
What did this look like in practice?
The territory’s next Financial Secretary was Arthur Grenfell Clarke (1952-61). Clarke refused to introduce regulation of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, and the territory operated without a central bank or monetary policy.
The territory had no income tax, and instead raised revenue through land value capture.
At the same time, Clarke worked with his colleagues in Government to expand Kai Tak Airport, improve the Hong Kong Police Force, and crack down on triad-led gang crime.
“From 1961 to 1971, Government spending as a percentage of GDP fell from 7.5% to 6.5%. At the same time, real wages rose by 50% and acute poverty fell from 50% to 15%”
Yet the real star of the show is John James Cowperthwaite, the city’s Financial Secretary from 1961 to 1971. From 1961 to 1971, Government spending as a percentage of GDP fell from 7.5% to 6.5%. At the same time, real wages rose by 50% and acute poverty fell from 50% to 15%.
Under Cowperthwaite, the territory imposed no controls at all on international capital flows. He refused to collect GDP statistics, fearing that these would only be used to enable economic planning. Taxes were kept low, and Government focused on basic infrastructure delivery.
Hong Kong grew rapidly, powered by manufacturing, shipping, finance, and construction. The number of factories in the territory increased from 3,000 to 10,000 over Cowperthwaite’s tenure, while the number of foreign companies registered in HK almost doubled.
This approach was continued by Cowperthwaite’s successor, Philip Haddon-Cave. Indeed, Haddon-Cave coined the term ‘positive non-interventionism’ in 1980. In 1975, Hong Kong emerged as the world’s freest economy, a position that it held continually in 2019.
Haddon-Cave worked with Governor Murray MacLehose to improve services without increasing taxes, tariffs, or regulation. The pair agreed that Government should focus on delivering a few basic services, and should draw on private sector expertise for delivery of major projects.
With this approach, the duo clamped down on corruption and launched the famous Mass Transit Railway. They also managed Hong Kong’s rapid transition from a manufacturing economy to a services economy – prompted, in large part, by a major change just over the border.
In 1978, Chinese premier Deng Xiaoping launched the Open Door Policy, which saw China open up to foreign businesses. In 1980, Deng designated the small city of Shenzhen, just across the border from Hong Kong, as a ‘Special Economic Zone’, in order to encourage foreign trade. Like Hong Kong, Shenzhen would boom in the coming decades.
“Rather than damaging Hong Kong, the growth of cheap manufacturing in China allowed the territory to transform into a hub for financial and legal services”
In the 1980s, its growth was powered by manufacturing. The city’s low labour costs and high regulatory flexibility made it attractive for businesses looking to reduce their costs – including firms in Hong Kong.
Rather than damaging Hong Kong, the growth of cheap manufacturing in China allowed the territory to transform into a hub for financial and legal services, with immediate access to cheap goods and cheap labour from China. Costs remained low and growth remained steady.
“Hong Kong’s remarkable growth continued throughout the 1980s and 1990s, guided by positive non-interventionism”
For those wanting to access the lucrative Chinese market, Hong Kong was a perfect entry-point. The stability of Britain’s common law system and HK’s light touch regulation gave foreign businesses confidence that their investments would be protected.
Hong Kong’s remarkable growth continued throughout the 1980s and 1990s, guided by positive non-interventionism. In 1997, HK was returned to China, after more than 150 years of British rule. Nevertheless, positive non-interventionism has continued to shape HK’s economic policies.
Though HK faces challenges today, it continues to stand as a global hub for financial and legal services. Its remarkable story is testament to the power of free markets – but also to the importance of limited, effective government which focuses on stability and order.
“the world’s largest democracy and country, India is going to the ballot box”
With a 20 mile stretch of golden sand, a shallow continental shelf allowing you to walk far into the Arabian Sea, a dry heat and beach bars every few hundred yards my spot in Goa wasn’t a place to be thinking about politics.
However, go about a mile inland and flags, boards and posters start to pop up for the Aam Aadmi Party, the Revolutionary Goans Party, Congress, a selection of BJP candidates, and even graffiti about the Portuguese (Goa used to be a Portuguese colony). As well as a likely general election in the UK and the Presidential election in the US, the world’s largest democracy and country, India is going to the ballot box.
No signs of revolution on the beach as long as the Peoples Lager kept flowing.
“The Indian National Congress is the traditional party of power in India having held the position of Prime Minister for 54 of the 77 years since independence”
The election is dominated by two main groups the BJP led ‘National Democratic Alliance’ and Congress led ‘Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance’. The Indian National Congress is the traditional party of power in India having held the position of Prime Minister for 54 of the 77 years since independence. The Bharatiya Janata Party (Indian People’s Party) was formed in 1980 and is the current party of power being led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Whilst no Pakistani PM has ever completed a full-term, India has had many peaceful transitions of power. Not that India has been devoid from political violence, far from it. But this is a nation of 780 spoken languages (23 official), from four major language families, with 1.4 billion people, and 5 religions with over 8 million followers, it is amazing India functions as a democracy at all. For all its challenges function it does.
Not often you see anti-Portuguese graffiti.
I turned to Nimit Shishodia to explain some of the main differences between the main party’s:
BJP
Right-wing ideology: Aligned with Hindutva, a Hindu nationalist ideology, emphasizing cultural nationalism and a strong central government.
Economic focus: Leans towards privatization and economic liberalization, attracting support from sections of the middle class and business community.
Social positions: Often takes conservative stances on social issues, appealing to traditional values and rural communities.
Congress
Centre-left ideology: Advocates for secularism and social welfare programs, historically drawing support from diverse groups, including minorities and lower-income populations.
Economic approach: Promotes a mixed economy with government intervention in key sectors, appealing to working-class voters and some sections of the middle class.
Social positions: Generally, takes more progressive stances on social issues, aligning with urban and younger demographics.
Important Caveats:
Both parties have diverse internal factions with varying viewpoints.
Their policies and stances evolve over time and in response to political realities.
There’s significant overlap in their voter bases, with both parties drawing support from various social and economic groups.
Nimit’s last point that “There’s significant overlap in their voter bases, with both parties drawing support from various social and economic groups” is perhaps the most significant. Functioning democracies require people to be able to change who they are voting for, not just vote based on identity.
“Modi is widely expected to win again”
The election will take place between April and May to elect 543 members of the Lok Sabha (House of the People) each coalition has 20+ party’s. The country has 8 recognised national parties, 55 state parties, and 2,597 unrecognised parties. It’s fair to say everyone has a point of view. Modi is widely expected to win again. I wrote briefly about a debate at the Battle of Ideas on Indian Politics, giving lots of background in an easily digestible way, you can listen to it at: Understanding Modi’s India – Battle of Ideas.
“I want the 5th biggest economy, and most populous country to be democratic and free”
“the people of India benefit from that basic enabler of liberty the ability to ‘kick the buggers out’”
Why does all this matter? Democracy’s support and advance human freedom, something we should all want. Democracies promote general economic growth and their citizens wellbeing, and democracies don’t tend to ever go to war with each other. In a world reverting to a more multi polar state, quite apart from the benefits to its own people, I want the 5th biggest economy, and most populous country to be democratic and free.
We should all be thankful this massive country and significant power is a democracy and the people of India benefit from that basic enabler of liberty the ability to ‘kick the buggers out’ when the party of power no longer meets the people’s needs.
