link to original reddit post by /u/merchant_republican
I have recently become very interested in the Merchant Republics that were dominant in the Medieval/Renaissance era and was hoping on getting some clarified opinions from this subreddit on whether or not a person who follows this ideology is Libertarian or Ancap. I have asked around with some Libertarians on Reddit beforehand and they have found it a very reasonable ideology.
The historical premise is different for both the Italian-City states (names you know as Venice, Pisa, and Bologna) and the Hanseatic League so I'll explain both before I give you my modernized version of the merchant republic. From Italy's position, the need to dominate trade was needed. Italy clinged unto Republican ideals such as a government or city governed by the people. They elected Mayors and Doges for the sole purpose to increase the wealth of the city state. The Hanseatic League of Europe was formed out of 51 free imperial cities as a trade alliance. The Hanseatic League was a confederation but lacked any sort of centralized government. It solely relied on the fact that all of these cities relied on trade and protection of trade. Notably, the Hanseatic League freed the market and was influential enough to request cities from reigning monarchs.
Since the ideas of an absent government or a very small Minarchist-like government is prevalent, they would fit in modern Libertarian standards. Since it also has a very Capitalist like tendencies it would also be on the right. Seeing how all these cities remain independent, there is probably a tad bit of nationalism in the mix to ensure the safety of cities.
TL;DR
Historical context on this system of thought
Let me know what your opinions are.