Session 4-Minimal State, the "New Right"

Contrasting interpretations of state power have clear implications for the desirable role or responsibilities of state. The main question while assigning the role of  state is what responsibilities should state fulfill and which ones should be left in the hands of private individuals. Among all the different types of states according to functions, I will discuss 'Minimal State'.

A minimal state is a state in which individuals enjoy widest possible freedom. State's only responsibility is to maintain domestic order and protection against external attacks. State only prevents individuals from effecting upon rights and liberties of others. But the question is who will define the standards about the rights of people. To one, a right thing would be interference to another's privacy.

Institutional apparatus used in Minimal State are police, court and military. All economic, social, cultural, moral responsibilities are of individuals that is the civil society. But when the economics of the countries will be in the hands of citizens then they might not prioritize the breakup of budget, for example, correctly. For instance they might give precedence to education and less to the military which might not be right provided the circumstances. It also provides some advantages. A free market i.e without government intervention usually is better for both producers and suppliers.

In my opinion for smooth working of a Minimal State, there should be a 'Security Council' as there was in Musharaf's era consisting of technocrats who should verify every decision of the citizen's before implementing them.