Neo-Liberal Economic Policy - Critical Essays

Over the past two decades there has been a prevailing shift in economic policy in many countries. This reflects the continuing rise of neo-liberalism - the doctrine that economic policy should 'leave it to the market' and that governments should retreat from market intervention. This book provides a balanced and comprehensive appraisal of these important policy developments. The authors examine the most notable trends in neo-liberal economic policy such as the withdrawal from the use of fiscal measures and the reliance on monetary policy. They discuss the neo-liberal view that the causes of unemployment lie in the operation of the labour market, in particular its inflexibility. They also assess the increasing inclination towards the liberalisation and deregulation of markets, most notably financial markets. In light of these developments, the authors investigate several specific areas including: an assessment of the theory of credibility; financial fragility and the development process; a reappraisal of the Rehn-Meidner Model for Sweden; the economic policy of the Spanish socialist governments; the costs of neomonetarism in Brazil; macroeconomic policies of the EMU. The contributors expertly illustrate the ways in which neo-liberal policies have been applied and implemented. They also seek to show the shortcomings of the neo-liberal approach and illustrate the different policy models available. As such, this volume will interest and inform academics, economists and policymakers looking for a detailed critique of recent developments in economic policy.