New Books in Critical Theory Adam Kotsko, "Neoliberalism's Demons: On the Political Theology of Late Capital" (Stanford UP, 2018)
Nov 25, 2020
Adam Kotsko discusses neoliberalism's political theology, emphasizing self-denial's role in mystifying neoliberalism. He challenges the economics-politics dichotomy and highlights how neoliberalism assigns blame to those who fail. The podcast delves into the pervasiveness of neoliberalism in society, its impact on inequality, and collaborations between neoliberals and neoconservatives. It also explores the historical ties between the religious right and capitalism, tracing the evolution of neoliberalism through phases and analyzing Trumpism's alignment with neoliberalism.
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Personal Roots In Flint's Deindustrialization
- Kotsko grew up outside Flint, Michigan, where deindustrialization and neoliberal policies hollowed out prosperous communities.
- His family's experience with GM and union declines motivated his interest in neoliberalism's effects.
Neoliberalism Is State-Built Market Power
- Neoliberalism remakes society in the image of competitive free markets rather than simply shrinking the state.
- The state actively creates and maintains markets, so neoliberalism requires strong intervention, not withdrawal.
Freedom Set Up To Assign Blame
- Neoliberal moral logic gives people enough freedom to be blamed but not enough to change outcomes.
- This creates systemic conditions where failure is personalized as moral culpability.