Post-neoliberalism

Post-neoliberalism is a term used to describe ideals that go against the Washington Consensus and neoliberalism. The movement is particularly strong in Latin America, where the left-wing Pink Tide has had an influence on politics in the region. According to Roger Merino examples of Post-neoliberal governments include the government of Evo Morales in Bolivia and the government of Rafael Correa in Ecuador.^[1] In the economic arena, the ideology advocates for the nationalization of numerous industries, and for the redistribution of wealth.

History

Evo Morales, the President of Bolivia, is often associated with Post-neoliberalism.

The idea of post-neoliberalism arose during the Pink Tide, where left-wing Latin American critics of neoliberalism like Hugo Chavez and Evo Morales were thrust into power in the 1990s and 2000s. While the ideas of post-neoliberalism aren't unique to Latin America, they are largely associated with the region.^[2]

According to researchers, the election of Hugo Chavez as President of Venezuela in 1999 marked a definite start of the Pink Tide and post-neoliberal movement. Since then, Evo Morales, Néstor Kirchner, Rafael Correa, and numerous other leaders associated with the post-neoliberal movement were elected in Latin America.

Ideology

Post neoliberalism seeks to fundamentally change the role of the state in countries where the Washington Consensus once prevailed.^[3] To do this, many post-neoliberal leaders advocate for the nationalization of multiple industries, most notably the oil and gas industries and mining industries.^[4] Post-neoliberalism also advocates for the implementation of more numerous welfare benefits and more government action towards reducing poverty. Post neo-liberalism advocates for more state intervention in the economy, as seen in countries like Venezuela and Bolivia.^[5]

Criticisms

Post-neoliberalism has drawn criticism from both the left and right of the political spectrum. Right-wing critics have claimed that post-neoliberalism is vague and populistic. They also claim that it harms international investment and economic development.^[6] Critics on the left-wing have stated that there is no need to call the ideology "post neo-liberalism", as the name should refrain from mentioning neoliberalism.

References

1. Merino, Roger (2011). What is ‘Post’ in Post-Neoliberal Economic Policy? Extractive Industry Dependence and Indigenous Land Rights in Bolivia and Ecuador
2. "http://eprints.soton.ac.uk">Grugel, Jean: Post-neoliberalism in Latin America: Rebuilding and Reclaiming the State after Crisis
3. "palgrave.com"Wylde, Christopher: Latin America After Neoliberalism
4. http://venezuelanalysis.com/tag/nationalization
5. "http://muse.jhu.edu">Kaltwasser, Cristóbal: Toward Post-Neoliberalism in Latin America
6. http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1938677