How Minimal is the Minimal State?
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47850/RL.2026.7.2.110-122Keywords:
Robert Nozick, libertarianism, anarchism, classical liberalism, minimal state, natural rights, public safety, distributive justice, political authorityAbstract
This article addresses issues of distributive justice and the justification of the state’s political authority. According to Robert Nozick, only a minimal state is morally justifiable: one that protects the natural rights of its citizens but does not redistribute wealth and income among them. This article offers an argument that, contrary to Nozick’s assumptions, a minimal state can redistribute without exceeding its minimal functions. This is possible because a minimal state can use its budget in any non-violent manner as long as it contributes to its primary goal–ensuring public safety. Poverty and inequality significantly increase the risk of violent crime. Therefore, a minimal state has the right to provide social support to the poor to reduce the risk of violent crime. This argument is further defended against objections.
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