---
title: "Laissez-Faire Definition and Principles | Model Diplomat"
description: "Laissez-faire is an economic philosophy advocating minimal government intervention in markets, championed by Adam Smith for self-regulating economies."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/laissez-faire"
---

[New](https://modeldiplomat.com/)

#

Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- An economic philosophy advocating minimal government Intervention in markets, supported by Adam Smith.
- What does laissez-faire mean?
- Who advocated for laissez-faire economics?
- Is laissez-faire still relevant today?

[Leaders & Thinkers](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/leaders/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

Go beyond the definition

## Research Laissez-Faire like a delegate

Model Diplomat's AI drafts position papers, speeches, and country research with real sources — built for MUN and politics students.

## Research it like a delegate

Research on modeldiplomat.com

## Ask a follow-up about Laissez-Faire

Open a cited briefing in Model Diplomat search — timelines, positions, and sources you can use in committee or exam answers.

[Start research on Laissez-Faire](https://modeldiplomat.com/search?q=Explain%20Laissez-Faire%20%E2%80%94%20key%20dates%2C%20actors%2C%20positions%2C%20and%20sources)

Example

Laissez-faire policies allow businesses to operate with little government interference.

## Sources

- [Intervention](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/intervention)
- [Mercantilism](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/mercantilism)
- [Economic liberalism](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/economic-liberalism)

Keep learning

## Go deeper than the definition

Courses

[Adam Smith](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/courses/adam-smith)

[Explore all Leaders & Thinkers lessons](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/leaders)[Test yourself with a quiz](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/quiz/leaders)

## Take Laissez-Faire beyond the glossary

Ask the AI research engine built for diplomacy — get briefings, position papers, and speeches with sources you can cite in committee.