Undoing the Demos

Undoing the Demos

29 January 2019 | Jordan Fallon
This review examines Wendy Brown's *Undoing the Demos: Neoliberalism’s Stealth Revolution*, which critically analyzes the destructive effects of contemporary neoliberalism on democratic political life. Brown argues that neoliberalism, understood as a form of rationality rather than just an economic system, has hollowed out democratic principles and practices. The book provides a theoretical framework for understanding and resisting neoliberalism, drawing on Michel Foucault's concepts of political rationality and governance. While Brown's analysis is lucid and accessible, it also has conceptual and stylistic limitations. The review highlights Brown's focus on the transformation of subjects into human capital and the erosion of democratic values in various domains such as legal reason, education, and foreign policy. Despite these strengths, the review suggests that Brown's work could benefit from a broader exploration of alternative political frameworks and a more nuanced discussion of historical context, particularly in relation to race and global neoliberalism. Overall, *Undoing the Demos* offers a compelling critique of neoliberalism and a call for urgent action to defend democracy.This review examines Wendy Brown's *Undoing the Demos: Neoliberalism’s Stealth Revolution*, which critically analyzes the destructive effects of contemporary neoliberalism on democratic political life. Brown argues that neoliberalism, understood as a form of rationality rather than just an economic system, has hollowed out democratic principles and practices. The book provides a theoretical framework for understanding and resisting neoliberalism, drawing on Michel Foucault's concepts of political rationality and governance. While Brown's analysis is lucid and accessible, it also has conceptual and stylistic limitations. The review highlights Brown's focus on the transformation of subjects into human capital and the erosion of democratic values in various domains such as legal reason, education, and foreign policy. Despite these strengths, the review suggests that Brown's work could benefit from a broader exploration of alternative political frameworks and a more nuanced discussion of historical context, particularly in relation to race and global neoliberalism. Overall, *Undoing the Demos* offers a compelling critique of neoliberalism and a call for urgent action to defend democracy.
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