petersen has voiced and published his rejection of the non-aggression principle. petersen describes himself as a minarchist. during his presidential campaign, he maintained that he had a "consistent pro-life ethic," meaning he is both pro-life and anti-death penalty. he opposes the war on drugs. he is a non-interventionist on most matters of foreign policy and applies a free-market capitalist approach to economics. petersen advocates for an ellis island styled immigration policy with a strict disease check, strict security check, with no quotas. he has expressed he has no fear of open borders, but believes the problems of the welfare state must be addressed first. he is an advocate for the second amendment and the right to freedom of association.