In "Invisible Doctrine," George Monbiot and Peter Hutchison provide the audience with a comprehensive overview of neoliberalism, the dominant belief system of our modern world. Through clear examination and storytelling, Monbiot and Hutchison disentangle this economic theory's complex origins and ubiquitous consequences, showing how it has shaped our societies and lives.

Neoliberalism was first used in 1938 by two economists, Ludwig von Mises and Friedrich Hayek. However, it did not gain popularity until the middle of the twentieth century, primarily attributable to several recognizable faces, one of whom is Milton Friedman.

In their book "Invisible Doctrine," Monbiot and Hutchison describe how a network of powerful individuals, think tanks, and political operatives methodically promoted this formerly radical philosophy, turning it into the accepted economic orthodoxy.

The book's first part is a historical narrative highlighting significant events like Antony Fisher's crucial 1945 encounter with Hayek. With the help of Hayek, Fisher established the Institute of Economic Affairs, a think tank whose aim is to promote neoliberalism. Similar to the Atlas Network, this organization contributed to the global promotion of free markets, deregulation, and privatization.

Effects of Neoliberalism

Hutchison and Monbiot also assert that a great deal of socioeconomic inequality and a number of tragedies were brought about by neoliberalism. They argue how this philosophy has led to overt social and economic injustice, exploitation of the environment, and the ever-deteriorating quality of public facilities through advocating competitiveness and individualism to the detriment of the common good. The authors eloquently explain how neoliberal policies have made crises like child poverty, economic collapses, and climate disasters worse, giving the impression that these concerns are unrelated when they are intricately linked.

According to The Guardian, one of the book's strengths is its ability to make these connections and demonstrate how the neoliberal agenda methodically weakens democracy by making it subservient to the power of money. This has caused a limited number of people to hold all the wealth and power while the majority suffers due to these policies. 

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A Global Influence

Neoliberalism's influence transcends national boundaries. Monbiot and Hutchison draw attention to how political leaders of all stripes - from Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan to more modern individuals like Donald Trump and Boris Johnson - have adopted this philosophy. The book describes how these politicians have enacted policies that benefit the ultra-wealthy, frequently with the help of dark money and neoliberal think tanks, increasing economic inequality and social instability in the process.

The writers also discuss how academia and the media support neoliberal ideas. They demonstrate how powerful journals and academic establishments have been subverted to advance the myth that deregulation and competition are the keys to prosperity, frequently downplaying or disregarding the unfavorable effects of these measures.

Proposals for Change

Kirkus Reviews claimed that despite the bleak image of neoliberalism's effects, Hutchison and Monbiot present a positive outlook for the future. Their strategy, which emphasizes participatory democracy and the idea of 'private sufficiency, public luxury,' attempts to guarantee everyone has enough to live comfortably. Meanwhile, public resources and services are plentiful and easily available. They call this a 'politics of belonging.'

The authors suggest specific actions to reduce the power of money in politics, like reforming campaign finance laws and encouraging local, deliberate democratic processes. They contend that considerable societal transformation can happen once a critical mass of people - roughly 25% of the population - commits to these new values.

Conclusion: A Vital Read

Anyone who wants to comprehend the damaging impacts of neoliberalism on society and its pervasive influence should read this book. In addition to outlining this ideology's shortcomings, Monbiot and Hutchison present a thorough and passionate critique that suggests a path toward creating a more democratic and egalitarian future.

Anyone interested in politics, economics, or social justice should have this book in their collection. 

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