§ Cell № 42 of 81
Row 5, Col 6
Economic: Lib-cap
Governance: Balanced
Coords: X+1 · Y+0
Economic: Lib-cap
Governance: Balanced
Coords: X+1 · Y+0
Descriptor
Neoliberal
“Markets over planning; global trade.”
Exemplar ↓
§ 01
The Idea
What Neoliberal actually means.
Neoliberalism emphasizes free markets, deregulation, and privatization, promoting competition and global economic integration.
Angela Merkel's leadership of Germany's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) (2005–2021) represents Neoliberalism in practice. She prioritized fiscal conservatism, reducing public debt and implementing labor market reforms such as Agenda 2010.
§ 02 · Tenets
Core commitments.
01
Markets allocate better than central planners.
02
Free trade and capital mobility maximise welfare.
03
Independent central banks; rules over discretion.
04
Privatisation and deregulation as default reforms.
05
Targeted safety nets, not universal services.
§ 03 · Position
Where it sits on the grid.
Economic axis — X+1
LIB-CAP
Full collectivisationUnfettered markets
Governance axis — Y+0
BALANCED
Total controlNo state at all
§ 04 · Reading List
Canon & critics.
§ Canon
- Free to ChooseMilton & Rose Friedman1980 · ~340 pp
- The Constitution of LibertyFriedrich A. Hayek1960 · ~570 pp
- The Mont Pelerin Statement of AimsMont Pelerin Society1947 · Statement
§ Critics
- A Brief History of NeoliberalismDavid Harvey2005 · ~250 pp
- Globalization and Its DiscontentsJoseph Stiglitz2002 · ~290 pp
§ Next