The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism

In The Shock Doctrine, Klein argues against some of the key “myths” about neoliberalism and its impacts, particularly the narrative that neoliberal economic policies lead to prosperity, democracy, and peace. Instead, she argues that neoliberalism is more of a destructive force.

Her exploration of the “myth” of neoliberalism begins with an analysis of neoliberalism in Chile, its aftermath, and its legacy. Proponents of neoliberalism argue that the Chilean case is an example of how neoliberal policies lead to prosperity. Klein is explicit that she views the “myth” of the “Chilean miracle” as factually inaccurate. She notes, “the country’s period of steady growth that is held up as proof of its miraculous success did not begin until the mid-eighties—a full decade after the Chicago Boys and well after Pinochet was forced to make a radical course correction” (85). She argues that in the immediate aftermath of neoliberal policies, Chile’s economy crashed and only recovered after it rolled back some of the reforms. She replicates this format in every case study of neoliberalism she addresses. In every instance, she notes how poverty rates, income inequality, and unemployment rose following the implementation of neoliberalism.

The myth of neoliberalism, as promoted by