Book Globalists: The End of Empire and the Birth of Neoliberalism pdf

Read Globalists: The End of Empire and the Birth of Neoliberalism by Quinn Slobodian

This page provides a comprehensive overview of Quinn Slobodian’s influential work to help you understand its core arguments and historical significance. Whether you are a student of political economy or a curious reader, this guide will help you decide how to best engage with the text and determine if it aligns with your interests.

An Overview of the Book's Thesis

In Globalists: The End of Empire and the Birth of Neoliberalism, Quinn Slobodian offers a provocative reinterpretation of the neoliberal project. Unlike many accounts that define neoliberalism as a simple desire for "less government" or total deregulation, Slobodian argues that the movement's primary goal was to "encase" the market. This means creating a framework of international laws and institutions that protect the global economy from the pressures of national democracy and social movements.

The narrative follows a group of thinkers often referred to as the "Geneva School," including figures like Ludwig von Mises and Friedrich Hayek. As the great empires of the 19th century collapsed and new nation-states emerged, these intellectuals feared that mass democracy would lead to economic instability and the redistribution of wealth. Their solution was not to eliminate the state, but to redesign the world's legal and political architecture to ensure that capital could move freely across borders regardless of local political shifts.

Key Themes and Historical Context

The book spends significant time exploring the transition from a world of empires to a world of nations. Slobodian distinguishes between two types of power: imperium (the rule of states over people and territory) and dominium (the right of property owners to move their assets). The central conflict of the 20th century, according to this history, was the effort to ensure that even as empires fell and "imperium" was handed to diverse populations, "dominium" remained protected by global institutions.

Readers will find detailed accounts of the formation of international bodies, the development of trade agreements, and the ideological battles fought within organizations like the League of Nations and the World Trade Organization. The book challenges the idea that neoliberals were "market fundamentalists" who hated the state; instead, it shows they were sophisticated institutionalists who wanted a specific kind of global state to govern the economy.

Who Should Read This Book?

This work is essential for anyone interested in the history of capitalism, globalization, and political theory. It is particularly valuable for those who feel that the standard definitions of neoliberalism—often focused on Margaret Thatcher or Ronald Reagan—are incomplete. By looking at the "Geneva School," Slobodian provides a missing link in the history of how our current global economic order was constructed.

While the book is an academic history, it is written with a clarity that makes it accessible to a broader audience. It is often read by those looking to understand the legal roots of modern trade disputes, the functions of the WTO, and the intellectual origins of the European Union.

About the Author: Quinn Slobodian

Quinn Slobodian is a distinguished historian of ideas and a professor who has focused extensively on modern German and international history. He has gained international acclaim for his ability to weave together legal history, economic theory, and political narrative. His research often focuses on how intellectuals have attempted to shape the world through international organizations and laws.

Slobodian’s expertise in the history of neoliberalism is grounded in his deep engagement with archival materials and his ability to trace the movement of ideas across continents. His work on Globalists: The End of Empire and the Birth of Neoliberalism has been widely cited and has won several prestigious awards, cementing his reputation as a leading voice in the study of modern political economy.

Globalists: The End of Empire and the Birth of Neoliberalism FAQ

1. Is this book focused on economic theory or political history?

   The book is primarily a work of intellectual and political history. While it deals with economic ideas, it focuses more on the thinkers, the institutions they built, and the historical events—such as the fall of the Austro-Hungarian Empire—that shaped their worldviews.

2. What makes Slobodian’s definition of neoliberalism unique?

   Slobodian argues that neoliberalism is not about "unfettered markets" or the absence of government. Instead, he defines it as a project of "world-ordering" that uses international law to protect property rights from the influence of democratic voters within individual nations.

3. How difficult is the reading level of this book?

   While the book is published by an academic press and contains dense historical detail, Slobodian’s prose is clear and engaging. It is suitable for university students and dedicated non-academic readers who are comfortable with historical and political concepts.

4. Does the book discuss current events like the rise of populism?

   While the book focuses on the 20th century, it provides a crucial historical background for understanding contemporary tensions between global institutions and national sovereignty. Many readers find it helpful for understanding why modern populist movements often target global trade organizations.

5. Where can I find a copy of Globalists?

   The book is widely available through academic and major commercial bookstores. It can also be found in most university libraries and larger public library systems in both physical and digital formats.