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247
Reference/Text Book • Nonfiction
Global • 20th century
2005
Adult
18+ years
A Brief History of Neoliberalism by David Harvey examines the development and global implementation of neoliberal economic policies from the 1970s to the early 2000s. Harvey critiques neoliberalism by arguing that its stated goals of global freedom and prosperity are undermined by its true aim: consolidating elite class power. The book combines intellectual history, economic data, and case studies to link financial and political crises to neoliberal dominance. The text discusses state-sponsored racism, anti-LGBTQ+ bias, and mentions sexual assault and offensive terms for women.
Informative
Challenging
Contemplative
Dark
Mysterious
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David Harvey's A Brief History of Neoliberalism provides a compelling analysis of neoliberal economic policies, appreciated for its thorough research and clarity in explaining complex concepts. While praised for its critical perspective, some readers find it overly biased and dense. Overall, it serves as an essential text for understanding modern economic thought.
Readers with an interest in political economy, social theory, or critiques of modern capitalism will enjoy A Brief History of Neoliberalism by David Harvey. Comparable to Naomi Klein’s The Shock Doctrine and Thomas Piketty’s Capital in the Twenty-First Century, this book appeals to those exploring the global impact of neoliberal policies.
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President Ronald Reagan
A Republican president of the United States from 1981 to 1989, recognized for implementing neoliberal policies known as “Reaganomics,” which aimed to reduce government intervention in the economy.
Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher
The UK Prime Minister from 1979 to 1990, noted for her neoliberal reforms, including privatizing national industries and reducing the power of labor unions.
Chairman Deng Xiaoping
Leader of China’s CCP in the 1980s, credited with shifting China’s economy towards incorporating aspects of neoliberal policies while maintaining a distinct approach known as “Neoliberalism with Chinese Characteristics.”
Karl Polanyi
An Austro-Hungarian economist whose work critiqued unregulated capitalism and influenced Harvey’s exploration of the freedoms and limitations created by market capitalism.
President George W. Bush
A Republican president of the United States from 2001 to 2009, whose administration’s neoconservative approaches are analyzed by Harvey for their intersections and divergences from neoliberal theory.
247
Reference/Text Book • Nonfiction
Global • 20th century
2005
Adult
18+ years
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