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A Brief History of Neoliberalism
Book

A Brief History of Neoliberalism

Oxford UP, 2005 plus...


Editorial Rating

8

Qualities

  • Innovative

Recommendation

This is an essential, thought-provoking book for anyone engaged in international business, the media, corporate strategy and governance. It fills the gaps between what you see in the media and what you experience as a citizen and businessperson by very ably explaining the theory and practice of neoliberalism. This philosophy has largely replaced liberalism as a popular political doctrine. The results are not very impressive from a democratic perspective, according to this analysis by author David Harvey. Armed with a different perspective and interesting sources, he puts neoliberal political thought and practice into its modern context, in everything from foreign policy, to how the media (led by Fox News) presents events, to the emergence of the new super wealthy class built on huge profits raked in by select corporations. He dedicates a chapter to the way this policy has worked in China, and frequently cites its effects in other countries. getAbstract thinks this well-documented short book makes it easier for readers to understand contemporary events and recommends it to business strategists, media professionals and concerned world citizens.

Take-Aways

  • At first, neoliberals believed that state-assisted, market-oriented companies and democratic institutions could create a stable, peaceful, inclusive political structure.
  • Neoliberalism creates income disparities, minimizes unions and promotes consumerism.
  • To mask the special benefits to a few well-placed financial beneficiaries, neoliberalism was pitched as a force for expanding individual liberties. It is not.

About the Author

David Harvey is a professor of anthropology at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York. He has written extensively on the political economy of globalization, urbanization and cultural change.