How is negative liberty best conceptualized as a fundamental principle of individual freedom?

Negative liberty is best understood as the absence of external constraints or interference on an individual's actions and choices. It emphasizes the idea that individuals should be free from coercion or limitations imposed by others, allowing them to act according to their own will and preferences. This concept is a fundamental principle of individual freedom because it prioritizes the autonomy and self-determination of individuals, enabling them to pursue their own goals and interests without undue influence or control from external sources.