From Neoliberalism to Democracy
Aug. 25th, 2025 01:29 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
asthfghl posting in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
talkpolitics2025 marks a turning point: the shift from neoliberalism to a revival of real democracy. Like every ideology that tries to monopolize power, neoliberalism has reached its limits.
Classical liberalism once meant freedom: breaking feudal chains, fighting fanaticism, and opening new horizons. But by the late 20th century it mutated into neoliberalism, which subordinated rather than liberated. The Free Market became a tool for transnational elites to dominate nations, while sovereignty was replaced by unaccountable supranational structures:
https://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/fandd/2016/06/ostry.htm
Over time, neoliberalism fused with radical identity politics, eroding social cohesion and stifling pluralism. Cancel Culture emerged as a modern form of ostracism, silencing dissent and rewriting history. Control extended further: limiting mobility through costly energy policies, undermining food independence, and concentrating power in the hands of corporations.
This model relied on activist enforcers, granted prestige, funding, and media platforms, who worked to marginalize opposing voices. But history shows: attempts at social engineering driven by radical minorities always trigger resistance:
https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2021/05/19/americans-and-cancel-culture-where-some-see-calls-for-accountability-others-see-censorship-punishment/
The backlash began years ago, gained momentum in the US, and is now spreading through Europe. The collapse of neoliberal dominance resembles past ideological breakdowns: communism and fascism both fell under the weight of their own extremism. Today’s transition is about restoring balance between freedom and order, individuality and community, national sovereignty and global interdependence.
The post-neoliberal world, if peace is maintained, will likely center on sovereign nation-states, responsive governments, and majority-driven democracy, rather than policies dictated by elite-managed institutions or activist minorities.
Classical liberalism once meant freedom: breaking feudal chains, fighting fanaticism, and opening new horizons. But by the late 20th century it mutated into neoliberalism, which subordinated rather than liberated. The Free Market became a tool for transnational elites to dominate nations, while sovereignty was replaced by unaccountable supranational structures:
https://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/fandd/2016/06/ostry.htm
Over time, neoliberalism fused with radical identity politics, eroding social cohesion and stifling pluralism. Cancel Culture emerged as a modern form of ostracism, silencing dissent and rewriting history. Control extended further: limiting mobility through costly energy policies, undermining food independence, and concentrating power in the hands of corporations.
This model relied on activist enforcers, granted prestige, funding, and media platforms, who worked to marginalize opposing voices. But history shows: attempts at social engineering driven by radical minorities always trigger resistance:
https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2021/05/19/americans-and-cancel-culture-where-some-see-calls-for-accountability-others-see-censorship-punishment/
The backlash began years ago, gained momentum in the US, and is now spreading through Europe. The collapse of neoliberal dominance resembles past ideological breakdowns: communism and fascism both fell under the weight of their own extremism. Today’s transition is about restoring balance between freedom and order, individuality and community, national sovereignty and global interdependence.
The post-neoliberal world, if peace is maintained, will likely center on sovereign nation-states, responsive governments, and majority-driven democracy, rather than policies dictated by elite-managed institutions or activist minorities.
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