Capitalism, Freedom and Democracy Reprised; Or, Why Is the Liberalization of Capital Associated with the Increased Repression of Individuals?

Abstract

There is a long-standing belief that free markets are sufficient for a nation is to achieve and sustain a free intellectual, social, and political life. This essay challenges that perspective. It argues that powerful private sector interests, in the pursuit of profit, will be inclined to deploy their economic and political power in ways designed to diminish the freedom of individuals. It argues that this is exactly what has occurred in the United Kingdom and the United States since the onset of the Neoliberal Era in the late 1970s.

Keywords:

• capitalism
• freedom
• liberalization
• repression