Episode 474 - People vs. Neoliberalism : Race, Gold, IQ, & the Capitalism of the Far Right (w/ Quinn Slobodian)

While not explicitly a book by Hayek, the reference points to his broader critique of social justice initiatives. Hayek argued that the desire for redistribution stems from atavistic instincts, hindering the development of a truly free market society. His work emphasizes individual liberty and limited government intervention, viewing social justice programs as threats to economic efficiency and individual freedom. Hayek's ideas have significantly influenced neoliberal thought and policy, shaping debates on economic inequality and the role of the state.

In 'Palo Alto: A History of California, Capitalism, and the World,' Malcolm Harris provides a detailed and critical history of Silicon Valley. The book spans 150 years, from the era of railroad barons to the modern tech industry, and explores how Northern California evolved into a powerful engine for economic growth and global influence. Harris examines the ideologies, technologies, and policies that have shaped the region, including the impact of settler colonialism, racialized labor, and the conversion of public resources into private assets. The book also delves into the lives of key figures such as Leland Stanford, Herbert Hoover, and Peter Thiel, and offers a radical proposition for how society might change course in the face of the current economic and technological landscape.

In 'Globalists: The End of Empire and the Birth of Neoliberalism,' Quinn Slobodian challenges the common perception that neoliberals aim to shrink government and abolish regulations. Instead, he argues that neoliberalism emerged to redeploy government and regulatory frameworks at a global level to protect and expand capitalism. The book follows a group of thinkers from the ashes of the Habsburg Empire to the formation of the World Trade Organization, highlighting their efforts to create supranational institutions that insulate global markets from national governments and democratic demands. Slobodian's work provides a nuanced analysis of the 'Geneva School' of neoliberalism and its impact on global economic integration and democracy[1][2][5].