Libertarianism is the ideal on a theoretical level. It is what society should strive towards: maximum freedom for the individual with minimal government meddling.
The problem is that this form of rule only works in a civilization that is high-trust and highly aligned in its values.
You wouldn’t try to implement libertarianism in a place like Somalia. Nor would you try to revive El Salvador by being *more* lenient on criminals.
A certain amount of central authority is needed to maintain order, and thus create the conditions wherein peaceful, productive citizens may flourish and exercise their liberties.
While authoritarianism can certainly go too far, as we saw during COVID, a middle way is possible. England under British Common Law, and the USA in the gilded era, are excellent examples. 
