Abstract

The recent, devastating and ongoing economic crisis has exposed the faultlines in the dominant neoliberal economic order, opening debate for the first time in years on alternative visions that do not subscribe to a ‘free’ market ethic. Bringing together the work of distinguished scholars and dedicated activists, The Rise and Fall of Neoliberalism presents critical perspectives of neoliberal policies, questions the ideas underpinning neoliberalism, and explores diverse responses to it from around the world.
'This book provides useful intellectual tools for deciphering the ideological, social and institutional foundations of neoliberalism and its wide-ranging implications for the still ongoing regulatory reorganization of capitalism.' Neil Brenner, New York University 'This is an outstanding book not only because of the sophisticated critiques offered by some of the most highly regarded thinkers on the topic of the destruction and misery wrought through neoliberal capitalism, but also because its forward looking emphasis on a more egalitarian and hopeful future offers insights about the work that needs to be done by activists and scholars alike.' Nik Heynen, University of Georgia 'This timely and wide ranging book traces the changing contours of neoliberalism, demonstrating how market-oriented policies gave rise to a globally hegemonic political-economic project. The emphasis is on identifying the different forms neoliberalism takes and the diverse responses to it.' Wendy Larner, University of Bristol 'A timely volume on the nature, varied manifestations, and above all limitations of a an economic order that is failing so spectacularly with the financial crisis. Highly recommended for academics, students, or for that matter anyone interested in the politics of our times.' Magnus Ryner, Oxford Brookes University.
Kean Birch is a lecturer in the Department of Geography and Sociology at the University of Strathclyde. Previously he was a research fellow in the Centre for Public Policy for Regions at the University of Glasgow. His main research interests concern the social and geographical basis of different economies and especially the implications that new knowledge, science and technologies have for these economies. He teaches courses on globalisation, neoliberalism and knowledge-based economies. Vlad Mykhnenko is a research fellow in the Department of Geography at the University of Nottingham. Previously he was a research fellow in the Centre for Public Policy for Regions at the University of Glasgow.