This paper has primarily attempted to determine whether neoliberal economic policy is making a return to Brazil, and secondarily what the most likely explanation for this could be. The elections of...Show moreThis paper has primarily attempted to determine whether neoliberal economic policy is making a return to Brazil, and secondarily what the most likely explanation for this could be. The elections of October 2018 provided the context to perform an analysis on this subject: the two candidates competing in the second round of elections, Jair Bolsonaro and Fernando Haddad and their visions on economic policy for Brazil have been analyzed through the method of content analysis. The programas de governo or governing programs of both candidates has served as the main subject of the study. Additionally articles in journals and interviews have been taken into consideration. Neoliberal economic policy in this paper is defined as a specific set of economic policies associated with the Washington Consensus. Although the Washington Consensus contains a total of ten advised economic reforms, the analysis in this paper will focus on specifically three, namely privatization, trade liberalization and austerity. This will be followed by a demonstration of a ‘retreat’ of neoliberal economic policy worldwide at the hand of the trade policies of the Trump administration in the United States and the change of direction made by International Financial Institutions. Thirdly, the political situation of the last years in Brazil will be described in order to provide the reader with the necessary context for the analysis. Fourthly, the turn to neoliberal economic policy under the current Temer administration will be demonstrated to establish that neoliberalism has returned to Brazil, albeit in the form of a government with near to no public support: favorable views of the (neoliberal) reforms among the candidates under study would be a strong indication a continuation of this policy under a new president is likely. This has been researched through the programas de governo, articles and interviews. Lastly, two possible explanations have been considered. The paper will conclude that it is indeed likely that Brazil, now with a candidate enjoying significant public support, will continue on the path of neoliberal economic policy. This return to neoliberal economic policy will be concluded to be due to a form of crisis management in Brazil.Show less
This thesis examines the relationship of neoliberal policies and growing inequality in the Japanese labour market after the bubble burst in early 1990’s. The purpose of this research is to...Show moreThis thesis examines the relationship of neoliberal policies and growing inequality in the Japanese labour market after the bubble burst in early 1990’s. The purpose of this research is to determine whether labour inequality levels have risen as a result of the neoliberal agendas that the government of Japan has adopted over the past few decades. The policies and the agendas of four Prime Ministers will be discussed: Yasuhiro Nakasone (pre-bubble burst), Ryutaro Hashimoto (post-bubble burst and during Asian crisis), Junichiro Koizumi (pre-financial crisis) and Shinzo Abe (post-financial crisis). This research demonstrates that certain aspects of labour inequality have been altered using process tracing in a multi-disciplinary approach consisting of both qualitative and qualitative sources to analyze the outcomes of these policy measures. The theoretical and empirical analysis showcase that, whilst the transformation of the Japanese economic model has not been linear, there is a gradual neoliberal progress in the labour sector reflected by the continuous deregulation schemes that the administrations have chosen to pursue. The Japanese labour institutions and, therefore, the Japanese social contract have been considerably transformed as part of the neoliberal reforms.Show less
The European Union (EU) has often been accused of displaying a neoliberal bias. In the new phase of positive integration, this academic debate has primarily focused on the substantive ideological...Show moreThe European Union (EU) has often been accused of displaying a neoliberal bias. In the new phase of positive integration, this academic debate has primarily focused on the substantive ideological orientation of European policies within the framework of European economic governance. In this regard, some scholars have argued that, based on the intricacies of its practical operation, the process of implementation can have a considerable effect on the final ideological orientation of these EU policies. This thesis aims to build on the existing debate by focusing on the role played by the European Commission in managing the implementation of these EU policies through the so-called Country Specific Recommendations (CSRs). For this purpose, this thesis carries out a qualitative and contextualised in-depth analysis of the process of implementation by conducting a single case study that focuses on employment-related CSRs issued to Spain during the period 2005-2014. The aim is to find patterns in the ideological orientation of CSRs issued by the European Commission that could reveal the existence of a neoliberal bias in European economic governance.Show less
This thesis deals with the current inequality levels present in Chile and how these are highly reflected in the education system. In-depth research has been conducted on how the implementation of...Show moreThis thesis deals with the current inequality levels present in Chile and how these are highly reflected in the education system. In-depth research has been conducted on how the implementation of the neoliberal economic model has created segregation in education. The higher level of education has been used as a case study in order to illustrate the levels of inequality and social discontent present in Chile. Finally, in order to gain better knowledge and overview of the reluctance towards this neoliberal system in education, two student revolutions (2006 and 2011) are taken into analysis. These manifestations have risen due to the unequal access and opportunities in higher education and is seen as a symptom of this. Although Chile has the healthiest economy in the region of Latin America, it is also the country that presents one of the highest levels of inequality in the world, making it an ideal country to analyse. Since the implementation of the economic neoliberal model in 1973, Chile has performed with great economic growth. It has even been labelled as the “Economic Miracle”. Nevertheless, the neoliberal model has had various consequences, which are analysed throughout this paper. Moreover, the economic model in education is put into question as it is benefiting mainly students from higher class families and putting into financial burden those from lower social classes.Show less
This research is based on the ‘new’ or ‘modern’ form of slavery, looking specifically at child labour as a form of ‘new’ slavery. The topic of ‘modern’ slavery is of immense importance, as it...Show moreThis research is based on the ‘new’ or ‘modern’ form of slavery, looking specifically at child labour as a form of ‘new’ slavery. The topic of ‘modern’ slavery is of immense importance, as it persists in economies worldwide as a tool to maximize profit while keeping labour costs low. The thesis attempts to disclose the relationship between child labour as a form of ‘new’ slavery in the context of neoliberalism and reciprocity. Neoliberalism, which describes the liberal market system, was brought to Ghana through Structural Adjustment Programs, which, instead of creating opportunities of entrepreneurships, worsened the situation for many workers and gave incentives to exploit labourer and children for profit maximization. While the latter reflects the global level of impacts on child labour, reciprocity is a custom that helps understanding the local (national) perspective of it. Also, the traditional custom of reciprocity that is a crucial part of Ghana’s society, has negative impact on the increase of child labour, as it can be stated that some parents abuse their children to fulfil duties that hinder them in their educational and personal development. The thesis is based on secondary sources and analyses the question: how do neoliberalism and reciprocity encourage child labour in the cocoa farming in the case of Ghana?Show less
By conducting a comparative analysis between Argentina and Chile this thesis examines the experiences of neoliberalism between 1980 and 2016 in relation to the development of the political economy...Show moreBy conducting a comparative analysis between Argentina and Chile this thesis examines the experiences of neoliberalism between 1980 and 2016 in relation to the development of the political economy of those counties. Additionally, this thesis analysis whether market-oriented reforms have improve the reduction of unemployment, poverty, and income inequality. By comparing the experiences of neoliberalism in Argentina and Chile over time, this thesis observes different results of the premises of the processes. While Argentina improves its GDP as well as its reduction in unemployment, poverty and income inequality, in times of state-oriented reforms, Chile continuously implements neoliberal market policies and decreases its level of poverty, while income inequality remains stable.Show less
The field of Economics and International Political Economy (IPE) often omits the importance of an idea that shapes an agent’s interests and behaviors, which can be crucial to understanding the...Show moreThe field of Economics and International Political Economy (IPE) often omits the importance of an idea that shapes an agent’s interests and behaviors, which can be crucial to understanding the policy’s decision-making process. This paper argues the power of economic ideas, which, formulated by internal and external affairs, have the capacity to change the institution, also providing the reasoning for certain policy choices. The paper will explore reasons to certain policy measures that happened in two financial crises in the Republic of Korea, by tracking back into the economic ideas of Neoliberalism and Pragmatism that were dominated by the policy makers during the Kim Young Sam and Lee Myung Bak administration.Show less
Abstract: This thesis analyses the economic policies of three Islamist parties that have come to power in the aftermath of what has come to be known as the Arab Spring. Campaigning on a platform...Show moreAbstract: This thesis analyses the economic policies of three Islamist parties that have come to power in the aftermath of what has come to be known as the Arab Spring. Campaigning on a platform emphasizing social justice and wealth redistribution, these parties have likewise embraced neoliberal economic policies. This thesis investigates how the Egyptian Freedom and Justice Party, the Tunisian Ennahda party and the Moroccan Party for Justice and Development have justified these two apparent contradictions and whether these parties perceive the latter as being antithetical to the former. On the basis of a wide range of primary and secondary sources, I conclude that the main channels through which these parties believe social justice and wealth redistribution are to be achieved in a neoliberal economy is through ‘trickle-down economics’ and wealth redistribution through zakat and other forms of individual charity. Evaluating the respective parties’ periods in power, one would have to conclude that as far as securing social justice is concerned, the reality is quite different from the campaign rhetoric. This has to some large extent been caused by demands raised by international financial institutions in exchange for loans to these countries, but likewise occurred prior to engaging in negotiations and eventually signing agreements with these institutions. Especially in the realm of labor laws, minimum wage laws, stimulating small and medium size enterprises and reducing subsidies on much needed consumer goods, the parties have not lived up to their earlier promises.Show less
Between 1990 and 2010, approximately during the democratic governments of president Cardoso and Lula, Brazil witnessed a strong improvement in economic development. During this period, poverty...Show moreBetween 1990 and 2010, approximately during the democratic governments of president Cardoso and Lula, Brazil witnessed a strong improvement in economic development. During this period, poverty rates had fallen in astonishing numbers, while inequality levels declined significantly. This thesis investigates to what extent the neoliberal economic policies implemented by Cardoso, and the neo-structural economic reforms instituted by Lula, resulted in the economic development that Brazil experienced during the said period. The main hypothesis of the thesis is that both economic models have been complementary in facilitating economic development in Brazil. The first chapter of the thesis concerns itself with defining the most important concepts and terminology related to the topic under investigation, such as ‘economic development’, ‘neoliberalism’ and ‘neo-structuralism’. Then in the second chapter, the paper will deal with the historic context of the economic problems Brazil faced before the economic development, and how Cardoso and Lula sought to deal with these problems. Finally, using social and economic indicators relevant to economic development, a comparative analysis will be made between the influence that Cardoso’s neoliberal economic policies, and the influence that Lula’s neo-structural economic reforms had on the long term economic development of Brazil. The thesis concludes by stating that the comparative analysis has demonstrated that the two economic models, neoliberalism and neo-structuralism respectively, were indeed complementary in achieving Brazil’s long term economic development. The relevance of this research to the wider academic debate is that it has provided some insight into the extent to which neoliberalism and neo-structuralism can be complementary in the facilitation of economic development for countries still in the early stages of development.Show less
The thesis aims to illustrate how Food Aid, Free Trade Agreements, and Agricultural Dumping are closely related. By drawing the relation between these three seemingly separate issues, a divergent...Show moreThe thesis aims to illustrate how Food Aid, Free Trade Agreements, and Agricultural Dumping are closely related. By drawing the relation between these three seemingly separate issues, a divergent perspective upon the global trading system is exposed. The thesis reaches its outcome by using both macro and micro analyses. Where macro analyses allows the debate to have a more theoretical nature, the micro analyses of the case study on Agricultural Dumping in Mozambique shows a more practical side of the debate. By the use of these two analytical tools, the thesis illustrates how Agricultural Dumping is a negative effect of Food Aid, enabled through Free Trade Agreements. As open market policies and low domestic protection are part of these agreements, local agricultural markets in sub- Saharan Africa become unable to compete with subsidised imported agricultural goods. Hence, the three issues all contribute to an unequal market system that, in certain situations, provides advantages for the donor country and leaves the receiving country at a disadvantage.Show less
Venezuela has one of the largest oil resource in the world and the oil sector is one of the most prone sectors to corruption. As the Corruption Perception Index shows is the level of corruption in...Show moreVenezuela has one of the largest oil resource in the world and the oil sector is one of the most prone sectors to corruption. As the Corruption Perception Index shows is the level of corruption in Venezuela also one of the highest of Latin America. In this thesis the level of influence of corruption on the resource curse will be assessed, specifically looking at the case study of Venezuela during the Bolivarian Revolution of Hugo Chávez. First, a theoretical framework is created in order to understand the relation between corruption and the resource curse. Second, a contextualization is provided through analyzing the Punto Fijo Pact which preceded the Hugo Chávez government. In this chapter increasing dissatisfaction of the Venezuelan population is shown, which together with the Caracazo massacre, created a platform for Hugo Chávez to gain power and popularity. In the third chapter, the theoretical framework will be applied to Chávez’s Venezuela and its consequences. Whereas the theoretical framework suggests that the resource curse is strengthened by corruption and thus will prevent a country with an abundant resource from developing, the case of Venezuela appears to be have proved the contrary. After analyzing the resource curse in Venezuela it shows that even though an abundant resource is present and corruption is still increasing, the oil revenues have allowed Hugo Chávez to fund several new socioeconomic programs which largely have benefitted the Venezuelan development.Show less
This thesis will thoroughly analyze the development of the Mexican economy since its market reform to see whether these reforms have led to the expected growth rates in exports, and – more...Show moreThis thesis will thoroughly analyze the development of the Mexican economy since its market reform to see whether these reforms have led to the expected growth rates in exports, and – more importantly - whether this export growth has translated into better living conditions, as neoclassical theory suggests it would. By testing the premises of neoclassical theory, this thesis explores whether a developing country integrating into the global economy might need different policies than those countries that have already established a strong position in the world market. This, in turn, could reveal the underlying structures that hinder Latin American countries – Mexico, in particular – to achieve long-term, stable growth rates in a neoliberal international order.Show less
Dictated by economic traits of progress via free trade agreements and profit-driven capitalism, the global paradigm of Neoliberalism has become the dominant framework of economic development in...Show moreDictated by economic traits of progress via free trade agreements and profit-driven capitalism, the global paradigm of Neoliberalism has become the dominant framework of economic development in Latin America since the 90s (Hojman 194). Neoliberalism is a revival of economic liberalism in which government intervention is disapproved within economic sectors, and free and self-regulating competitive markets and the development of capitalist societies are promoted (Thorsen and Lie 2). Introduced in 1989, The Washington Consensus is seen as the template for Latin America’s engagement with neoliberalism. It is as well, an indication of the vast expansion of the ‘USA model’ of economic progress by powerful international financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (Grugel and Riggirozzi 4). The neoliberal model was implemented via free market open economy policies (FMOEP), guided by the objective of economic decentralisation. Conditions for private profitability were established, cutting back the central role of the state within the economic sectors (Geddes 3151). Within the agricultural sphere, Neoliberalism aims for a system in which the control in agricultural production and resources happens via private corporations via profit-driven interests. This contrasts with the prior agricultural model of Keynesian economics, in which state power dominates within the agricultural sector, via the control and active role in the production process (Miyake 380). The spread of neoliberal agrarian reforms in Latin America promoted the framework of international trade and free trade, leading to the birth of the Global Farm Model within Latin America. Following the ideology of Neoliberalism, trade embargoes are portrayed as a restrictive factor on economic progress within the agricultural sector of a country (Betancourt 175). Within the context of Neoliberal expansion, Cuba is an unique exception within the region of Latin America, as it followed an alternative path to agricultural development, away from a neoliberal agricultural model. For more than 50 years, the United States (US) has imposed an economic, commercial, and social embargo against Cuba. This makes Cuba an interesting case study, in the broader context of Latin America and the dominance of Neoliberalism. Within the current ideology of agricultural development, climate change, and environmental degradation, the issue of sustainability has gained momentum in the agricultural sector. Looking through the lens of sustainable agricultural development, this brings the paper to the following research question: What are the economic, social, and environmental impacts of Neoliberalism versus Cuban-style policies on sustainable agricultural systems?Show less
This thesis examines the crisis policies of the ‘troika’ institutions to Greece in the context of the Eurozone crisis. The neoliberal policies of fiscal austerity and internal devaluation...Show moreThis thesis examines the crisis policies of the ‘troika’ institutions to Greece in the context of the Eurozone crisis. The neoliberal policies of fiscal austerity and internal devaluation prescribed by the troika had a strong contractionary impact which resulted in a prolonged recession of the Greek economy. For this reason, the research question of this study is to what extent the IMF, the EC and the ECB have been questioning the appropriateness of the prescribed crisis policies to Greece. Building on neo-Gramscian theory, the causal mechanism claims that the hegemony of neoliberalism within the troika institutions conditions a specific diagnosis of the Eurozone crisis and hence a specific set of policy responses. Analysing the positions on central dimensions of neoliberalism with regard to financial crises, a striking persistence of neoliberal policies is observed. In light of neo-Gramscian theory, this observation suggests that the first grand systemic crisis of the 21st century has not seen the rise of a challenging counter-hegemonic ideology. It also suggests that the transmittance of ideological change from global to regional economic governance is not necessarily instant. It is thus fundamental to advocate strong alternatives to neoliberalism which could bring the long reign of neoliberalism and international finance to an end.Show less
