A word that means nothing

Neoliberalism is politically dead as populists left and right reject it, yet market-based policies still shape major economies. The word has lost all meaning.

Nobody agrees what it means

To defenders, markets work better than governments with limited regulatory roles. To detractors, it means billionaires, technocrats, Silicon Valley, immigration, even Pete Buttigieg.

Nobody identifies with it

There are socialists, libertarians, progressives, and conservatives. But where are the neoliberals marching in the streets? It is a label used in academia and think tanks, not real life.

What each side actually means

The populist left uses it for high prices, billionaires, and corporate power. The populist right uses it for trade, immigrant labor, or technocrats. Neither means free enterprise.

Americans prefer free enterprise

Seventy-seven percent of Americans view free enterprise favorably. Just fifty-five percent say the same of capitalism. The gap suggests Americans distinguish between the two concepts.

“77% of Americans view free enterprise favorably. Just 55% say the same of capitalism.”

The real objection is corporate power

Big business scores thirty-five percent approval, behind socialism at forty-three percent. Small business scores ninety-five percent. The public objects to corporate power, not enterprise itself.

Say what you actually mean

Neoliberal policies will continue regardless of the label. But voters need real policy questions answered: do they want free enterprise with guardrails, Nordic welfare states, or state-directed industry?