What Is Neoliberalism?
The purpose of this research project is to fill out, or “flesh” out, the meaning of this word “neoliberalism,” as a political, economic, and social agenda at work both in the United States and across the world as well, wherever “global” capitalism is in effect (which is everywhere!). It’s all right that you don’t understand what it means exactly—the point is to find out.
You will be expected to give an account of “neoliberalism” 1) as a set of concepts and principles (like privatization and deregulation), 2) as various policies implemented by governments, and 3) in its specific consequences for nations and peoples. “Neoliberalism” is a phenomenon of international proportions, once again, and this means it touches on places and lives all over the world, not just where we live. For this reason, you will have to focus on a particular area of research. Such areas are:
. 1) The “North Atlantic” states (the United States or Europe)
. 2) Latin and South America (for instance, Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Mexico, or Honduras)
. 3) Asia (for instance, China, Hong Kong, India, Korea, or Japan)
. 4) Russia (and Central Asia, like Ukraine)
. 5) The Middle East (for instance, Iraq or Afghanistan in connection with the American occupations of
those countries, Israel in its relation to its Arab neighbors, or Syria and other countries undergoing social and political upheavals now)
. 6) Africa (for instance, the Congo, Libya, Egypt)
You should also focus on a particular problem like, for example: mass incarceration, inequality, immigration, education, war, gentrification, climate change, or the financialization of the economy (Wall Street).