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Raymond Plant, The Neo-liberal State (London: Oxford University Press, 2010). 283 pages. Biblio., index. $40.00. ISBN: 978-0199650576
In his 2010 work The Neo-liberal State, Raymond Plant gives us a fresh look at the theories of neo-liberalism. The subject matter is extremely relevant. Neo-liberal theories in many ways underpin globalization. In addition, the foundation of many of the fiscal policies of the Republican Party in the United States stem from neo-liberal theories. The 2012 election centered on neo-liberalism as well; questions regarding the privatization of social security and Medicare as well as tax cuts all derive from neo-liberal theory. Thus, Plant's analysis is of crucial importance for policymakers, academics and the general public. Plant states that he himself is a neo-liberal theorist. He believes that a neo-liberal society is possible. However he argues that if a true neo-liberal state is to emerge, the present neo-liberal theories must be criticized and made more viable. While he does critique classic and current theories of neo-liberalism and create a stronger case for the neo-liberal state, there are some not insubstantial flaws however which ultimately detract from the power of the work.
The first strength of the work is that Plant gives a very direct but thorough review of neo-liberalism. He begins by distinguishing between the notions of a teleocracy and a nomocracy. Plant argues that these two terms are crucial for an understanding of neo-liberalism and he continually references them throughout the work. A teleocracy is a society based on some higher purpose of goal. It is where the citizens are animated by something higher than just personal gain and satisfaction. A nomocracy is a society where there is no higher end for individuals. Individuals simply live in freedom and pursue their own ends so long as they do not hurt anyone else. This is the idea of negative freedom; it is simply a freedom from coercion. Neo-liberals disdain any sort of teleocracy. The foundation of a neoliberal state is a nomocracy. The overarching theme in Plant's work is the establishment of true and nomocracy. After establishing these two critical notions, Plant undertakes a painstaking review of the various theories of a possible nomocratic state. He then critiques them in an attempt to arrive at the ideal nomocratic state.