Murray Rothbard was an influential American economist and political theorist, known for his contributions to the field of Austrian economics. Born in 1926, he became a prominent advocate for libertarianism, emphasizing individual freedom and limited government. Rothbard's work often focused on the importance of free markets and private property rights. He authored several books, including "Man, Economy, and State," which laid the groundwork for his economic theories. Rothbard was also a key figure in the Libertarian Party and played a significant role in shaping modern libertarian thought, promoting ideas of voluntaryism and non-interventionism in foreign policy.