Neoliberalism as a political label has lost all meaning, yet the market-based policies it once described still shape major economies, blocking a genuine debate about capitalism, free enterprise, and government's role.
01Summary
- 0177% of Americans view free enterprise favourably but only 55% view capitalism positively, according to Gallup.
- 02Only 35% of Americans view big business favourably, compared with 43% for socialism and 95% for small business.
- 03Among Democrats, 65% view both socialism and free enterprise positively, while only 35% view capitalism that way.
- 04Emmanuel Macron, long the face of French neoliberalism, is leaving office unpopular as voters turn to far-left and far-right candidates.
- 05The term 'neoliberalism' is used pejoratively by both populist left and right, but for different reasons: leftists mean corporate power and high prices, rightists mean trade, immigration and technocrats.
02Why it matters
This matters because the confusion over 'neoliberalism' prevents voters and politicians from having a clear, concrete debate about trade, corporate power, health care, and the welfare state—issues that directly affect your job, bills, and public services.
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