From Think Tanks to Street Protests: The Battle for Political Hegemony

Neoliberalism’s rise from a marginal set of ideas to the dominant global economic and political framework is a story of patient and strategic intellectual work. Unlike spontaneous mass movements, neoliberalism was built by coordinated networks of economists, philosophers, and activists who understood that changing the world required changing the ideas that govern it.

The Mont Pelerin Society, founded in 1947, became the epicenter of this effort. It gathered figures committed to reviving classical liberalism in a form adapted to the postwar world. Over decades, members established think tanks like the Institute of Economic Affairs, which produced accessible policy proposals and engaged with media outlets to shift public opinion.

These institutions operated as ideological factories, crafting narratives that framed markets as natural and state intervention as inherently problematic. Yet, neoliberalism’s architects recognized the state’s indispensable role in actively constructing markets, enforcing property rights, and suppressing dissent. This paradoxical understanding allowed them to build a hegemonic project that reshaped political and economic life worldwide.

In contrast, leftist activism often remained fragmented, focused on local struggles and immediate actions without a coherent long-term strategy. The absence of clear demands and institutional presence limited the left’s ability to contest neoliberal dominance effectively.

The lesson is clear: to challenge neoliberalism, the left must build its own intellectual infrastructure, develop compelling narratives, and engage strategically with institutions and media. This means investing in think tanks, educational programs, and political organizations that can sustain long-term efforts and connect local struggles into global movements.

Reclaiming the ideals of modernity—progress, emancipation, universalism—is central to this project. The left must articulate a vision that resonates broadly, offering hope and direction beyond protest and resistance.

Understanding the history of neoliberalism’s rise equips us with the tools to build a postcapitalist future grounded in strategic thinking and collective action.

References: Srnicek & Williams, Inventing the Future; Orbistertiusnet review; EdRooksby analysis