Neo-liberalism is an overused term that too often means everything and nothing.
However, it does make sense in historical context (why it's 'new' and 'liberal') if you think of it as a new (or revised) version of free market liberalism (note: this is the liberalism of Adam Smith and is not the same as 'liberal' as used in the US context to mean socially left of centre). It is a new version of free market liberalism because its implementation dates from the 1980s approx. What makes it different is that as opposed to older versions of free market liberalism which tend to be non-interventionist, neo-liberalism involves significant state engagement in constructing a particular kind of 'free market' (as Larry says, one that prioritises free movement of finance capital). It is aggressively interventionist in seeking to undermine certain kinds of market 'obstructions' including trade unions and state run sectors. Thus this is a 'free market' coordinated by considerable policy and state intervention.
Rachel.
-----Original Message-----
From: L Brownstein [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 30 June 2016 10:13
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Translation of neo-liberalism
John, it is neither liberal nor new. But that is the term that now applies to this particular constellation of policy objectives.
John Whittington <[log in to unmask]> wrote :
> At 19:56 29/06/2016 +0000, Wells, Julian wrote:
> >Privatisation, marketisation (health, education); financialisation
> >(another word that needs translation, but basically extending direct
> >power over different spheres of life to the finance industry think
> >PFI hospitals); attacks on employment and trade unions rights; secret
> >deals to let companies sue governments over policies they don t like
> >(TIPP) & etc.,
> etc.
>
> Thanks - but what is 'liberal' (or 'new liberal') about all that?
>
> Kind Regards,
>
>
> John
>
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