TY - JOUR

T1 - Towards Post-Neoliberalism? The comparative politico-economic transition of New Zealand and Chile

AU - Challies, Edward R. T.

AU - Murray, Warwick E.

PY - 2008/8

Y1 - 2008/8

N2 - This paper compares the evolution of the dominant politico-economic paradigm over the past 80 years in two ‘resource periphery’ nation states that have become ‘models’ of economic reform, New Zealand and Chile. Analysing the forces that have driven change, it traces the shared transition from a neoclassical model, through structuralist/Keynesian principles, and on to neoliberalism. The paper discusses whether the contemporary convergence around neostructural policy represents a paradigm shift or an adaptation of the neoliberal model designed to sustain free-market principles in a form that is acceptable to electorates. The paper concludes that the broad commonalities in the transitions are remarkable and come about as a result of shared external shocks as well as similar historical insertions into the global political economy. Notwithstanding the parallels, the comparative approach reminds us of the contingent unfolding of economic paradigms across space, a point that counters arguments that assert that neoliberalism, and the globalisation to which it gives rise, create a homogenous global political economy. This comparative study is timely, as the two countries have recently signed a bilateral strategic trade partnership. This agreement indicates continued pursuit of neoliberal agendas in both countries rather than, as respective governments have heralded it, a move to foster South–South cooperation.

AB - This paper compares the evolution of the dominant politico-economic paradigm over the past 80 years in two ‘resource periphery’ nation states that have become ‘models’ of economic reform, New Zealand and Chile. Analysing the forces that have driven change, it traces the shared transition from a neoclassical model, through structuralist/Keynesian principles, and on to neoliberalism. The paper discusses whether the contemporary convergence around neostructural policy represents a paradigm shift or an adaptation of the neoliberal model designed to sustain free-market principles in a form that is acceptable to electorates. The paper concludes that the broad commonalities in the transitions are remarkable and come about as a result of shared external shocks as well as similar historical insertions into the global political economy. Notwithstanding the parallels, the comparative approach reminds us of the contingent unfolding of economic paradigms across space, a point that counters arguments that assert that neoliberalism, and the globalisation to which it gives rise, create a homogenous global political economy. This comparative study is timely, as the two countries have recently signed a bilateral strategic trade partnership. This agreement indicates continued pursuit of neoliberal agendas in both countries rather than, as respective governments have heralded it, a move to foster South–South cooperation.

KW - Economics

KW - Comparative political economy

KW - Neoliberalism

KW - Neostructuralism

KW - Chile

KW - New Zealand

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=47949107687&partnerID=8YFLogxK

U2 - 10.1111/j.1467-8373.2008.00372.x

DO - 10.1111/j.1467-8373.2008.00372.x

M3 - Journal articles

VL - 49

SP - 228

EP - 243

JO - Asia Pacific Viewpoint

JF - Asia Pacific Viewpoint

SN - 1467-8373

IS - 2

ER -