

Frankie Boyle Meets George Monbiot - The Fight Against Neoliberalism
20 snips Feb 4, 2025
In this thought-provoking conversation, George Monbiot, a Guardian columnist and environmentalist known for tackling neoliberalism, joins comedian Frankie Boyle for a candid discussion. They explore the alarming wealth gap and the philosophical underpinnings that have allowed the rich to dominate. Monbiot critiques neoliberal influences on democracy and public services while advocating for participatory democracy as a remedy. The duo delves into the need for engaging narratives to inspire political action and the urgent call for reform in the face of societal challenges.
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Neoliberalism's Origins and Rise
- Neoliberalism arose as a backlash against the welfare state, arguing that market interference leads to totalitarianism.
- This fringe ideology, appealing to the wealthy elite, was then promoted through think tanks and media.
Neoliberal Policy-Making
- George Monbiot recounts Madsen Pirie's autobiography, revealing how neoliberal think tanks plotted strategies with journalists and Thatcher's advisors.
- They formulated policies, like water privatization and the poll tax, in a wine bar, highlighting the influence of these groups.
New Labour and Neoliberalism
- New Labour expanded neoliberal policies like PFI, despite initial promises to halt them.
- This was driven by corporate lobbying and a desire to appease capital, demonstrating the enduring influence of neoliberalism.