| It's difficult to put precise meanings on it. Neoliberalism in particular is much more common as an epitaph than a self description. Broadly, liberalism referred to the rational, secular and mostly republican political philosophies of the 18th century. Rousseau, Locke (not a republican), etc. These are strongly associated with the French and American revolutions. ATT "liberal" meant people would have a say in government. Republican had a stronger anti-monarchist connotation, especially after the French Revolution. It meant abolishing the monarchy, aristocracy and limiting the church's power. Liberalism became the most dominant political philosophy. Even dissident political ideas like communism, corporatism and 19th century conservatism tended to be derivations and/or responses to liberalism. "Classical Liberals" usually refers to early 20th century people. Much of it is anticommunist, pro-capitalist ideas responding to the explosion of revolutionary Marxism. Many of these created philosophies that pull history, economics and politics into one framework. This was Marx' format, and it became a template of sorts. This is when people start using "capitalism" in a positive way, describing themselves as capitalists. Marx used the term "capitalist" to mean people with capital, not people with certain beliefs. "Capitalism," implied that capitalists had usurped power and were the ones in charge. Kind of like the term "corporate lobbyist" today. The nomenclature always seems odd to me, since "classical liberals" come later. "Neoliberalism" usually refers to free market, antisocialist politics of the 70s onwards. In earlier decades its associated strongly with Reagan and Tatcher. De-unionisation, free trade, and lower taxes & privatisation. David Ricardo is (early 18th century) had a lot of influence. From the 90s on, neoliberalism refers to pro-market, centre-left politics. By this point, no one calls themselves a neoliberal.. especially the centre left who hate the term. It's associated refers to Clinton, Bush, Blaire, Angela Merkel etc. Most western politicians really. The idea, broadly, is that the free market makes wealth.. which can then be used to better society. The term itself is almost always used in dissent, considering neoliberalism to be the incumbent system. This kind of completes the cycle. Marx used "capitalism" as an epitath to criticise liberalism. Classical liberals adopted the term. Then they get called neoliberals. The lines dividing all these are very fuzzy. In its most common current usage, it means politcal "centrist," more or less. It's more about de facto politics than abstract political philosophies. |