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We Have Never Been Neoliberal: Unmasking the Myth of a Global Economic Consensus

Percy Bysshe Shelley

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We Have Never Been Neoliberal: A Manifesto for a Doomed Youth

by Kean Birch

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4355 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	205 pages

In their groundbreaking book, Jamie Peck and Nik Theodore offer a comprehensive critique of the concept of neoliberalism, arguing that it is a myth that has been used to justify policies that have led to widespread inequality and social injustice.

Peck and Theodore define neoliberalism as "a set of ideas that privileges the market as the best way to allocate resources and promote economic growth." They argue that this belief has led to a number of policies, including deregulation, privatization, and austerity measures. These policies have been implemented in many countries around the world, and Peck and Theodore show that they have had a devastating impact on the lives of ordinary people.

Peck and Theodore's book is divided into four parts. The first part provides a theoretical overview of neoliberalism. The second part presents a series of case studies from around the world. The third part discusses the impact of neoliberalism on inequality, poverty, and social justice. The fourth part offers a vision for an alternative to neoliberalism.

In their case studies, Peck and Theodore show that there is no such thing as a single, coherent neoliberal model. Instead, they argue that what has been called neoliberalism is actually a diverse range of policies that have been implemented in different ways in different countries. For example, in the United States, neoliberalism has been characterized by a focus on deregulation and privatization. In Europe, neoliberalism has been characterized by a focus on austerity measures. In China, neoliberalism has been characterized by a focus on state-led capitalism.

Peck and Theodore argue that these different forms of neoliberalism have had different impacts on different countries. However, they also argue that there are some common features that can be found in all forms of neoliberalism. These features include:

A belief in the market as the best way to allocate resources and promote economic growth
A commitment to deregulation and privatization
A focus on austerity measures
A belief that the state should play a limited role in the economy

Peck and Theodore argue that these features of neoliberalism have led to a number of negative consequences, including:

Increased inequality
Increased poverty
A decline in social justice
A rise in authoritarianism

In the fourth part of their book, Peck and Theodore offer a vision for an alternative to neoliberalism. They argue that we need to develop a new economic model that is based on the principles of social justice, equality, and democracy. They also argue that we need to strengthen the role of the state in the economy. The state can play a role in providing essential services, regulating the market, and promoting social justice.

We Have Never Been Neoliberal is a timely and important contribution to the debate about the future of capitalism and democracy. Peck and Theodore offer a powerful critique of neoliberalism and a vision for an alternative economic model. This book is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the challenges facing the world today and who is interested in creating a more just and equitable world.

We Have Never Been Neoliberal: A Manifesto for a Doomed Youth

by Kean Birch

5 out of 5