What do libertarians think of Mossadegh's nationalization of Iranian oil back in the early 1950s?

[barbos]

Yes, I believe if they really really want to screw you they will always find a way.

During that time, Britain was still stuck in its colonial arrogance, which shared a similar with American attitude at the time, where they expected to dictate terms for others to follow.

I meant that US government can always eminent domain your sorry ass if they really really want something you have. As for other countries, US still dictates terms to other "independent" countries.

 

[Jason Harvestdancer]

A libertarian does believe in rule of contract and rule of law, so yes they do believe that the contract provisions should be upheld. Instead of the government just nationalizing it it would go to a neutral court who would then decide if both sides held up their end of the contract and if they weren't then they could give a punishment to one side or the other.

The "rule of law" is something that we are generally okay with provided the law itself isn't a bad law. If it is, then we do things like ignore the Fugitive Slave Act and refuse to return them.

 

[coloradoatheist]

A libertarian does believe in rule of contract and rule of law, so yes they do believe that the contract provisions should be upheld. Instead of the government just nationalizing it it would go to a neutral court who would then decide if both sides held up their end of the contract and if they weren't then they could give a punishment to one side or the other.

The "rule of law" is something that we are generally okay with provided the law itself isn't a bad law. If it is, then we do things like ignore the Fugitive Slave Act and refuse to return them.

I agree. But the contract for the oil appears to be an okay law, the disagreements were over the profits to each country and payments/conditioners to laborers.

 

[whichphilosophy]

During that time, Britain was still stuck in its colonial arrogance, which shared a similar with American attitude at the time, where they expected to dictate terms for others to follow.

I meant that US government can always eminent domain your sorry ass if they really really want something you have. As for other countries, US still dictates terms to other "independent" countries.

Of course.