The article "Neo-liberalism: policy, ideology, governmentality" by WJ Larner explores the shift from Keynesian welfareism to neo-liberalism in policy agendas. This shift is attributed to the influence of a particular political ideology, characterized by five core values: individual freedom, market security, laissez-faire, minimal government, and minimal state intervention. These values underpin new institutional economics and neo-liberal managerialism, leading to deregulation and privatization. The adoption of this ideology is often linked to key politicians like Thatcher and Reagan, as well as financial institutions and multinational capital. However, the article notes that while neo-liberalism is seen as a coherent policy agenda, it faces internal debates and differential applications. Despite this, the policy reforms are generally viewed as problematic, leading to social and economic issues such as increased polarization and swings in the business cycle. The response to neo-liberalism often involves calls for a return to more interventionist policies. The article then shifts to an analysis of neo-liberalism as an ideology, drawing on neo-Marxist and socialist-feminist theories. It argues that neo-liberalism is not just a set of ideas but a powerful ideological transformation that reshapes political thought and argument. The success of neo-liberalism is attributed to its ability to constitute subject positions and hegemonic ideologies, even among social democratic and conservative governments. The article highlights the work of Stuart Hall, who argues that Thatcherism was a state strategy to re-establish capitalist accumulation and the work of Jane Jenson, who focuses on how social movements shape political discourse and identities. Overall, the article suggests that neo-liberalism's success lies in its ability to shape both political programs and individual subjectivities, despite the lack of empirical support for its tenets.The article "Neo-liberalism: policy, ideology, governmentality" by WJ Larner explores the shift from Keynesian welfareism to neo-liberalism in policy agendas. This shift is attributed to the influence of a particular political ideology, characterized by five core values: individual freedom, market security, laissez-faire, minimal government, and minimal state intervention. These values underpin new institutional economics and neo-liberal managerialism, leading to deregulation and privatization. The adoption of this ideology is often linked to key politicians like Thatcher and Reagan, as well as financial institutions and multinational capital. However, the article notes that while neo-liberalism is seen as a coherent policy agenda, it faces internal debates and differential applications. Despite this, the policy reforms are generally viewed as problematic, leading to social and economic issues such as increased polarization and swings in the business cycle. The response to neo-liberalism often involves calls for a return to more interventionist policies. The article then shifts to an analysis of neo-liberalism as an ideology, drawing on neo-Marxist and socialist-feminist theories. It argues that neo-liberalism is not just a set of ideas but a powerful ideological transformation that reshapes political thought and argument. The success of neo-liberalism is attributed to its ability to constitute subject positions and hegemonic ideologies, even among social democratic and conservative governments. The article highlights the work of Stuart Hall, who argues that Thatcherism was a state strategy to re-establish capitalist accumulation and the work of Jane Jenson, who focuses on how social movements shape political discourse and identities. Overall, the article suggests that neo-liberalism's success lies in its ability to shape both political programs and individual subjectivities, despite the lack of empirical support for its tenets.