Neoliberalism - the doctrine that market exchange is an ethic in itself, capable
of acting as a guide for all human action - has become dominant in both thought
and practice throughout much of the world since 1970 or so. Its spread has depe
nded upon a reconstitution of state powers such that privatization, finance, and
market processes are emphasized. State interventions in the economy are minimiz
ed, while the obligations of the state to provide for the welfare of its citizen
s are diminished.
David Harvey, author of 'The New Imperialism' and 'The Cond
ition of Postmodernity', here tells the political-economic story of where neolib
eralization came from and how it proliferated on the world stage. While Thatcher
and Reagan are often cited as primary authors of this neoliberal turn, Harvey s
hows how a complex of forces, from Chile to China and from New York City to Mexi
co City, have also played their part. In addition he explores the continuities a
nd contrasts between neoliberalism of the Clinton sort and the recent turn towar
ds neoconservative imperialism of George W.
