The narrative surrounding the Cold War often heralds capitalism as the ultimate victor, particularly following the fall of the Berlin Wall. However, this perspective oversimplifies the complexities of neoliberal thought and its evolution in the post-Cold War era. As Quinn Slobodian articulates in his insightful work, Hayek’s Bastards: Race, Gold, IQ, and the Capitalism of the Far Right, the ideological landscape of neoliberalism is far more intricate than the triumphalist accounts suggest.
The chameleon of communism
Slobodian posits that many prominent neoliberals, including figures like Charles Murray and Hans-Hermann Hoppe, perceived communism not as a defeated ideology but as a shape-shifting entity. They believed that the essence of communism had merely transformed, manifesting in movements such as feminism, environmentalism, and civil rights. This perspective reveals a deep-seated anxiety among neoliberals about the persistence of socialist ideals, which they argue continue to threaten the foundations of capitalism.
Intellectual alliances and the rise of new fusionism
In their quest for a robust intellectual framework, neoliberals sought refuge in the ideas of economist Friedrich Hayek. However, Slobodian contends that figures like Murray and Rothbard distorted Hayek’s principles to justify a worldview that favored Western superiority in capitalism. This new fusionism, as Slobodian describes it, is characterized by a triad of beliefs: hardwired human nature, hard borders, and hard money. These ideologies have led to troubling alliances with biologists and ethnonationalists, promoting pseudoscientific claims linking race and intelligence.
The contemporary implications of neoliberal thought
As we navigate the complexities of modern governance, the influence of neoliberalism remains palpable. The rise of figures like Donald Trump exemplifies the intersection of nativism and economic policy, where traditional neoliberal principles are often overshadowed by a more reactionary agenda. This ideological shift raises critical questions about the future of capitalism and the role of government intervention in economic affairs.
Moreover, the parallels between gold and cryptocurrency as hedges against economic instability reflect a broader trend within neoliberal thought, where speculative assets are viewed as safeguards against perceived governmental incompetence. This obsession with hard money, whether in the form of gold or digital currencies, underscores a profound distrust in traditional economic systems and a yearning for a return to perceived stability.
In conclusion, the evolution of neoliberalism is not merely a historical footnote but a dynamic force shaping contemporary political discourse. As we grapple with the implications of these ideologies, it becomes increasingly vital to critically assess their impact on society and the future of governance.