The Hidden History of Neoliberalism: How Reaganism Gutted America and How To Restore Its Greatness

A progressive radio host and author reveals how neoliberalism became so prevalent in the United States and why it's time for us to turn our backs to it.

With four decades of neoliberal rule coming to an end, America is at a crossroads. In this powerful and accessible book, Thom Hartmann demystifies neoliberalism and explains how we can use this pivotal point in time to create a more positive future.

This book traces the history of neoliberalism---a set of capitalistic philosophies favoring free trade, low taxes on the rich, financial austerity, and deregulation of big business-up to the present day. Hartmann explains how neoliberalism was sold as a cure for wars and the Great Depression. He outlines the destructive impact that it has had on America, looking at how it has increased poverty, damaged the middle class, and corrupted our nation's politics.

America is standing on the edge of a new progressive era. We can continue down the road to a neoliberal oligarchy. Or we can choose to return to Keynesian economics and Alexander Hamilton's American Plan by raising taxes on the rich, reversing free trade, and building a society that works for all. “The destabilization [neoliberalism’s] policies have wrought have left our generation with the task to rebuild; and Hartmann’s book shows the way.” —Leila Conners, founder and Director, Tree Media and Need to Know (N2K)

“Thom Hartmann makes it crystal clear how neoliberal free-market economics benefits monopolistic big business and the ultrarich while impoverishing our country and everyone else.” —Earl Katz, progressive activist and Emmy-nominated documentary film producer

“This compact handbook nimbly recapitulates the political effects of neoliberalism as it percolated through world history.” —George DiCaprio

© 2023 Berrett-Koehler Publishers (Ebook): 9781523002344

Release date

Ebook: 17 October 2023