Never Ending Nightmare: The Neoliberal Assault on Democracy

The book explains that the neoliberal straitjacket has succeeded in preventing any course correction by progressively deactivating democracy. The revival of democratic activity is a sign that the political confrontation with the neoliberal system and the oligarchical bloc has already begun.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 16 April 2019
Publisher: Verso Books

The strange survival of the forces responsible for the 2008 economic crisis, one of the worst since 1929, has sparked much debate and analysis. While some economists hastened to declare the death of neoliberalism, others argue that it has emerged from the crisis strengthened. In their book, Pierre Dardot and Christian Laval argue that neoliberalism is not merely a dogma but a veritable politico-institutional system that obeys a logic of self-reinforcement, supported by powerful oligarchies.

The crisis, rather than representing a break, has become a formidably effective mode of government. The book explains how the neoliberal straitjacket has succeeded in preventing any course correction by progressively deactivating democracy. The so-called "governmental Left" has actively helped strengthen this oligarchical logic, increasing disarray and demobilization.

However, there is still hope. The revival of democratic activity, which we see emerging in the political movements and experiments of recent years, is a sign that the political confrontation with the neoliberal system and the oligarchical bloc has already begun. This revival of democratic activity suggests that there is a potential for a definitive exit from democracy in favor of expertocratic governance, free of any control.

While the future remains uncertain, it is clear that the forces responsible for the 2008 economic crisis will continue to shape our world for years to come. It is up to citizens and political movements to challenge these forces and work towards a more democratic and equitable future.

Weight: 368g
Dimension: 207 x 142 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781786634740