This book argues that neoliberalism must be understood as a system of political theology that claims to be founded on individual freedom but demonizes anyone who falls short of its impossible standards.
By both its supporters and detractors, neoliberalism is usually considered an economic policy agenda. Neoliberalisms Demons argues that it is much more than that: a complete worldview, neoliberalism presents the competitive marketplace as the model for true human flourishing. And it has enjoyed great success: from the struggle for "global competitiveness" on the world stage down to our individual practices of self-branding and social networking, neoliberalism has transformed every aspect of our shared social life.
The book explores the sources of neoliberalisms remarkable success and the roots of its current decline. Neoliberalisms appeal is its promise of freedom in the form of unfettered free choice. But that freedom is a trap: we have just enough freedom to be accountable for our failings, but not enough to create genuine change. If we choose rightly, we ratify our own exploitation. And if we choose wrongly, we are consigned to the outer darkness—and then demonized as the cause of social ills. By tracing the political and theological roots of the neoliberal concept of freedom, Adam Kotsko offers a fresh perspective, one that emphasizes the dynamics of race, gender, and sexuality. More than that, he accounts for the rise of right-wing populism, arguing that, far from breaking with the neoliberal model, it actually doubles down on neoliberalisms most destructive features.
Adam Kotsko is on the faculty of the Shimer Great Books School of North Central College. His most recent book is The Prince of This World (Stanford, 2016).
1. The Political Theology of Late Capital 2. The Political and the Economic 3. Neoliberalisms Demons 4. This Present Darkness Conclusion: After Neoliberalism
"In all of the hubbub about neoliberalism, one often feels that there is not much more to say. Adam Kotskos premise—that the devil and the neoliberal subject can only ever choose their own damnation—is as original as it is breathtaking. Everyone should read this book."—James Martel, San Francisco State University
"Its been a long time since Ive read something so acutely in tune with its political moment. Both wide-ranging and impressively concise, this book offers one of the most compelling critical analyses of neoliberalism Ive yet encountered, understood holistically as an economic agenda, a moral vision, and a state mission."—Peter Hallward, Kingston University London
"Kotsko argues that there is no inherent distinction between economic and political realms, with political-theological paradigms configuring the binary relationships for their own purposes.Recommended"—D. K. McKim, CHOICE
"[An] important book....Useful to scholars and students in subfields ranging from philosophy of religion and theology to contingently grounded studies of the politics and law....Critical analysis here lays the grounds for constructive work, with Kotsko gesturing toward an as-yet-unknown eschatological future."—Spencer Dew, Religious Studies Review
"Neoliberalisms Demons is a concise and persuasive account of the political, economic, and moral universe we inhabit, and is therefore essential reading for anyone who seeks to understand their own condition."—Jonathan Megerian, New Books Network
