1. NS4540 Winter Term 2016 Neoliberalism
Europa brazil economy

2. Overview
John Paul Rathbone, Neoliberal Bashing has Lost its Luster in South America, Financial Times, February 23, 2016
Neoliberal a loaded term
Coined in the 1930s to describe an obscure middle way between liberalism and socialism
Only gained global currency in 1980s to describe free market policies of Chilean President Pinochet
Since then degenerated into a catch-all term for anything popularly deemed
reactionary,
unpleasant or
cruel
Often includes the International Monetary Fund
Neo-liberalism has become a straw man.

3. Neoliberalism I However tide swinging back in neoliberalism’s favor
Currently – Argentina’s new president Maurico Marci called neoliberal for coming to terms with creditors, devaluation, and energy price increases – won him high ratings and popularity
Contrast Brazil’s Workers Policy recently met to discuss how to rescue the country from economic crisis without “resorting to neoliberalism.” Implied avoiding socially unpopular reforms
So far policies only worsened a severe recession and corruption scandal that leave Dilma Rousseff as Brazil’s most unpopular president.

4. Neoliberalism II Question is why word has such resonance
One reason lies in the adjustment programs of the 1980s and 1990s
Laid the foundation for the 2000s economic boom
But their social cost also shaped political discourse
Times have changed
Political right more aware of social concerns
Many Latin American also recognize the China-driven commodity boom over
They may not wish for economic adjustment
But --- do recognize its need

5. Neoliberalism III
With the social gains of the last decade, people have a greater stake in the system
Want to see system well managed
Politicians who stay in power too long or preside over corruption riddle administrations and cannot provide good management are shown the door
President Evo Morales who cannot run for a fourth term may be bellwether for the regional mood
Morales made anti-neoliberalism a central tenet of his electoral appeal
Also embroiled in a corruption sandal after ex-girlfriend, now a Chinese company executive became major government contractor