David Harvey's A Brief History of Neoliberalism provides a compelling analysis of neoliberal economic policies, appreciated for its thorough research and clarity in explaining complex concepts. While praised for its critical perspective, some readers find it overly biased and dense. Overall, it serves as an essential text for understanding modern economic thought.

Readers with an interest in political economy, social theory, or critiques of modern capitalism will enjoy A Brief History of Neoliberalism by David Harvey. Comparable to Naomi Klein’s The Shock Doctrine and Thomas Piketty’s Capital in the Twenty-First Century, this book appeals to those exploring the global impact of neoliberal policies.

A Brief History of Neoliberalism by David Harvey examines the development and global implementation of neoliberal economic policies from the 1970s to the early 2000s. Harvey critiques neoliberalism by arguing that its stated goals of global freedom and prosperity are undermined by its true aim: consolidating elite class power. The book combines intellectual history, economic data, and case studies to link financial and political crises to neoliberal dominance. The text discusses state-sponsored racism, anti-LGBTQ+ bias, and mentions sexual assault and offensive terms for women.

Informative / Challenging / Contemplative / Dark / Mysterious

- A Brief History Of Neoliberalism# by David Harvey delves into the origins and global dissemination of neoliberal policies and their impacts, highlighting the role of influential figures like Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher.
- The book is renowned for its critical stance on neoliberalism, presenting arguments that it has exacerbated social inequalities and shifted power dynamics in favor of corporations and the wealthy.
- David Harvey, a distinguished Marxist geographer, is known for his detailed and insightful critique of capitalism, and this book is often used as a reference in academic discussions on economic policy and globalization.

**David Harvey**  
A Marxist economic geographer from the UK, well-known for his analyses on neoliberalism and his work explaining Marx’s theories to a modern audience.

**President Ronald Reagan**  
A Republican president of the United States from 1981 to 1989, recognized for implementing neoliberal policies known as “Reaganomics,” which aimed to reduce government intervention in the economy.

**Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher**  
The UK Prime Minister from 1979 to 1990, noted for her neoliberal reforms, including privatizing national industries and reducing the power of labor unions.

**Chairman Deng Xiaoping**  
Leader of China’s CCP in the 1980s, credited with shifting China’s economy towards incorporating aspects of neoliberal policies while maintaining a distinct approach known as “Neoliberalism with Chinese Characteristics.”

**Karl Polanyi**  
An Austro-Hungarian economist whose work critiqued unregulated capitalism and influenced Harvey’s exploration of the freedoms and limitations created by market capitalism.

**President George W. Bush**  
A Republican president of the United States from 2001 to 2009, whose administration’s neoconservative approaches are analyzed by Harvey for their intersections and divergences from neoliberal theory.

David Harvey

Adult

Reference/Text Book

Nonfiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore A Brief History Of Neoliberalism reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read A Brief History Of Neoliberalism | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore A Brief History Of Neoliberalism and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

A Brief History Of Neoliberalism Summary and Study Guide

Background

A Brief History Of Neoliberalism Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Introduction-Chapter 1

A Brief History Of Neoliberalism Introduction-Chapter 1 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 2 A Brief History Of Neoliberalism Chapter 2 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 3 A Brief History Of Neoliberalism Chapter 3 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 4 A Brief History Of Neoliberalism Chapter 4 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 5 A Brief History Of Neoliberalism Chapter 5 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 6 A Brief History Of Neoliberalism Chapter 6 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 7 A Brief History Of Neoliberalism Chapter 7 Summary & Analysis

keyFigure

Key Figures

A Brief History Of Neoliberalism Key Figures

theme

Themes

A Brief History Of Neoliberalism Themes

Index of Terms

A Brief History Of Neoliberalism Index of Terms

quote

citation

character

Important Quotes

A Brief History Of Neoliberalism Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

A Brief History Of Neoliberalism Essay Topics

A Brief History Of Neoliberalism

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read A Brief History Of Neoliberalism?

Reading Age

Book Details