Though humankind might claim inherent individual freedom, the need for collective order imposes significant constraints on it. That is, the sustainable fulfillment of primary survival needs — which underscores the necessity of orderly collective affairs — requires individuals, both individually and collectively, to relinquish part of their otherwise unrestrained autonomy to authorities sanctioned for justly organised regulation of collective affairs. However, the questions persist: How much freedom should be given up to maintain social order? Do limits on freedom lead to more order? Does the authority that gains this freedom always act in the best interest of the public?

For centuries, the notion that ordered freedom thrives under self-governance has been tested by history. The pursuit of self-rule has driven movements for self-determination, democracy and revolution and, more recently, efforts to balance freedoms with order. For instance, many countries today — such as Switzerland,........

© The Express Tribune