Nine Lives of Neoliberalism

Nine Lives of Neoliberalism examines the origins, evolution, and persistence of neoliberal thought through detailed studies of key figures and institutions. The essays in this collection trace neoliberalism beyond its common association with Friedrich Hayek and Milton Friedman. The book maps the networks and organizations that shaped neoliberal ideas from the 1930s through the present. Through archival research and historical analysis, the authors explore lesser-known influences on neoliberal thinking, including law and economics scholars, management theorists, and international organizations. Contributors investigate how neoliberal concepts moved from academic theory into practical policy across different nations and time periods. The essays examine the role of think tanks, academic departments, and international bodies in spreading neoliberal frameworks. This collection challenges conventional narratives about neoliberalism's development and reveals its capacity for reinvention and adaptation. The work contributes to ongoing debates about the relationship between economic theory, political power, and social transformation.

Readers emphasize the book's detailed examination of neoliberalism beyond the typical focus on Hayek and Friedman. Multiple reviews note its exploration of lesser-known figures and institutions that shaped neoliberal thought. Readers appreciated: - The focus on specific institutions like the Mont Pelerin Society - Clear explanations of complex economic concepts - Coverage of neoliberalism's evolution through multiple decades - The inclusion of primary source documents Common criticisms: - Dense academic writing style that can be difficult to follow - Some chapters feel disconnected from the main narrative - Limited discussion of neoliberalism's effects outside Europe/US Ratings: Goodreads: 4.31/5 (29 ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (8 ratings) One Goodreads reviewer wrote: "Offers fresh perspectives on neoliberalism's institutional history rather than just repeating tired critiques." An Amazon reviewer noted: "The academic language makes important insights less accessible to general readers."

The Road from Mont Pèlerin by Philip Mirowski and Dieter Plehwe. This book traces the origins and evolution of neoliberal thought through the Mont Pèlerin Society's networks and key figures.

Masters of the Universe by Daniel Stedman Jones. The text maps the transatlantic development of neoliberalism from Austrian economics to Anglo-American policy implementation.

The Great Transformation by Karl Polanyi. This critique of market fundamentalism provides historical context for understanding the rise of neoliberal economic thought.

Never Let a Serious Crisis Go to Waste by Philip Mirowski. The book examines how neoliberal ideas survived and strengthened after the 2008 financial crisis.

Democracy in Chains by Nancy MacLean. This work reveals the connections between neoliberal economic theory and American political movements through James Buchanan's public choice theory.

📚 The book examines nine distinct ways neoliberalism has survived and evolved, despite being declared "dead" multiple times since the 1980s 🎓 Quinn Slobodian is an associate professor of history at Wellesley College and has written extensively about the global history of neoliberalism 🌍 The book reveals how neoliberal thinkers actively sought to embed their ideas in international institutions like the European Union and World Trade Organization 💡 Several chapters explore how neoliberals strategically reframed their message for different audiences, from academics to business leaders to the general public 📊 The work challenges the common perception that neoliberalism is solely about free markets, showing how it often advocates for strong state intervention to protect certain economic interests