Neoliberalism
For next lecture, please read this introduction to neoliberalism. How can you see a neoliberal perspective in the article we read last week from the IMF, in particular this section?
For next lecture, please read this introduction to neoliberalism. How can you see a neoliberal perspective in the article we read last week from the IMF, in particular this section?
September 7th, 2006 at 2:28 am
On paper it sounds great what the IMF is striving to achieve i.e poverty reduction and integration of the poor countries into the world economy. Unfortunately the reality on the ground for most countries is that there really isn’t a true “global market.” In most African countries the issues raised by Martinez and Garcia on “Neo-liberalism” are real. In particular i have issues with the Structural Adjustment Programs (SAPS)/ Structural reforms which goverments in poor countries are forced or arm-twisted to adhere to; wholesome privatisation of government subsidized institutions vital such as rail transport, water, health, and power generation has accompanied most of these SAP’s. Such SAP’s are meant to make such institutions more efficient and competitive. I, however, think that the bottom line is that privatization is “PROFIT DRIVEN” since most of such vital institutions end up being bought by multinational companies who care less about the welfare of the citizens of the nations concerned. I believe that even though efficiency is vital for competition some vital institutions should not be privatised as demanded by such IMF requirements. Instead goverments should have an obligation for its citizens to subsidize such vital amenities to make them affordable to the masses. When the multinational companies pull out when profits are not realized–which has been known to happen, it leaves the country and its citizens in a worse off position. Of course it does not help matters when some governments compund matters with poor governance/corruption.
February 5th, 2007 at 3:35 am
Not much on my mind these days, but what can I say? It’s not important. I just don’t have much to say lately. I’ve just been letting everything pass me by recently, but eh.