Is AFF Libertarian or Conservative?
Is AFF libertarian, conservative, or what? An equal number of AFF members self-identify as conservatives as libertarians. Broadly speaking, AFF is a fusionist organization – dedicated to the spirit of debate between conservatives and libertarians.
AFF has hosted many important debates between conservatives and libertarians. In 2001, Jonah Goldberg of National Review and Mike Lynch, then Washington editor of Reason, squared off on the difference between libertarians and conservatives. In 2005, AFF speakers argued, “Conservatives and Libertarians: Can This Marriage Be Saved?” In 2006, at AFF’s 10th Anniversary debate, Jonah Goldberg dueled against Nick Gillespie of Reason for a philosophical debate of whether conservatives and libertarians even share common principles. In 2007, AFF panelists discussed the “Future of Fusionism,” asking whether libertarians could form an alliance with the left.
AFF events continue to focus on the values that conservatives and libertarians share and the issues on which they disagree. AFF has hosted debates on immigration, censorship and decency issues, same-sex marriage, feminism, and faith among other topics. We believe these debates animate the power of ideas.
AFF also works to maintain a balance of libertarians and conservatives among our staff, board, advisors, and executives. So whether you are conservative or libertarian, we are confident you will find friends at AFF who are as passionate about ideas as you are.
