George Monbiot and Peter Hutchinson's "Invisible Doctrine" explores the history and impact of neoliberalism on the global economy and political systems. The book traces the origins of neoliberal ideas and their influence on policy decisions, examining how they have reshaped societies and economies worldwide. It analyzes the role of powerful individuals and corporations in promoting neoliberal policies and their consequences, including increased inequality and environmental damage. The authors critique the core tenets of neoliberalism and argue for alternative approaches that prioritize social justice and environmental sustainability. The book offers a critical perspective on the dominant economic and political ideologies of our time, prompting readers to question the status quo and consider alternative models.
In this classic work, Hayek restates the ideals of freedom that he believes have guided the growth of Western civilization. The book is divided into three parts: 'The Value of Freedom,' which provides the philosophical foundation and justification of a free society; 'Freedom and the Law,' which discusses the development of the Rule of Law; and 'Freedom in the Welfare State,' which examines various areas of contemporary policy in light of the principles developed earlier. Hayek argues that liberty is essential for innovation and progress, and he warns against excessive government control and the stifling of spontaneous forces in society. He also explores the balance between individual freedoms and necessary government intervention, emphasizing the importance of the rule of law in ensuring individual liberty within a democratic society[1][4][5].
In this influential book, Hayek argues that the abandonment of individualism and classical liberalism leads to a loss of freedom, the creation of an oppressive society, and ultimately, the tyranny of a dictator. He challenges the view that fascism and Nazism are capitalist reactions against socialism, instead positing that these ideologies share common roots in central economic planning and the empowerment of the state over the individual. The book emphasizes the dangers of collectivism and the importance of maintaining a free market system to preserve human freedom and dignity.
Forget Christianity, Judaism, New Age Spirituality, and Buddhism, a new type of religion drives 21st century Western thought. It goes by the shadowy name of Neoliberalism: the commodification of everything; Markets and the private sector ascendent; The deliberate attempt to reduce – especially through privatisation and austerity – state power, regulatory capacity, and government’s ability to influence the economy. Over the past few decades, from Thatcher and Reagan, to Blair and Clinton, the whole world was incentivized to embrace neoliberal reforms. The result? Our public services are crumbling. Governments have lost the ability to build roads and hospitals. Governments are no longer driving cutting edge innovation. And a new class of super rich neoliberal oligarchs – Musk, the Koch brothers, Bezos, Zuckerburg, and the cryptobros – are spreading Disorder.
To help us find governmental Order amidst all this privatized Disorder, Jason is joined by George Monbiot -- Guardian columnist and co-author of ‘The Invisible Doctrine: The Secret History of Neoliberalism (& How It Came to Control Your Life)’.
In their conversation, the duo chart the evolution of neoliberalism and how it has shifted core governance functions (like transport, health care, and security) from the public sector to private enterprises, leading to a new form of oligarchy. Plus: they look at the failures of centrist politicians to come up with compelling alternatives and they hypothesize about the psychological motivations of the wealthy elite.
Finally, as they Order the Disorder, they put forward the need for a new political narrative that emphasises community and solidarity - especially on a local level.
Producer: George McDonagh
Executive Producer: Neil Fearn
Subscribe to our Substack (for free, or get the PAID version to get a discount on our March 21st event with Bill Browder and Stephanie Baker at the Frontline Club): https://natoandtheged.substack.com/
Show Notes Links:
Get George Monbiot and Peter Hutchison’s book The Invisible Doctrine: The Secret History of Neoliberalism (& How It Came to Control Your Life) - https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/455534/the-invisible-doctrine-by-hutchison-george-monbiot-and-peter/9780241635902
For more on the New Books Network which runs lots of podcasts about every sort of topic - https://newbooksnetwork.com/
And for an NBN podcast on the historic origins of neo-liberalism check out: https://newbooksnetwork.com/neoliberalism
Read George’s piece - Trump and Musk have launched a new class war. In the UK, we must prepare to defend ourselves - https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/jan/19/donald-trump-elon-musk-class-war-uk-us-oligarchies-democracy
Listen back to our episode with Harvey Whitehouse (start with P1) - https://pod.link/1706818264/episode/36cb340116979a4aa2dfdca524988d27
And buy his book out now in paperback: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/451443/inheritance-by-whitehouse-harvey/9781529159158
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Disorder 
