In many ways neoliberalism is an extreme ideology, much like fascism and communism, but we very rarely recognise it as such. It hides behind the free-market, deregulation and privatisation, but in reality it’s quietly increasing isolation, inequality, poverty, disease and environmental threat.

In this episode, Richard Kemp speaks with Peter Beresford, author of ‘The Antidote: How People-Powered Movements Can Renew Politics, Policy and Practice’, about the problem neoliberalism poses, both in politics and in our everyday lives.

They discuss how neoliberalism has undermined democracy, the power of new social movements, and what can be done to create a better society for everyone.

Peter Beresford OBE is Visiting Professor at the University of East Anglia and Co-Chair of Shaping Our Lives, the national disabled people’s organisation.

Find out more about the book at: https://policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/the-antidote

The transcript is available here: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2025/09/01/podcast-from-faultlines-to-frontlines-neoliberalism-vs-people-powered-movements/

Timestamps:

2:03 - What is neoliberalism, what make it extreme and how has it clung on for so long?

5:06 - How was neoliberalism first sold to us?

8:13 - How does neoliberalism affect our day-to-day lives?

9:15 - How is the murder of Sarah Everard connected to neoliberalism?

18:50 - How did neoliberalism affect COVID-19 responses, and what policies went unscrutinised during the pandemic?

24:26 - What are new social movements and what are they doing differently?

34:46 - How has neoliberalism shaped digital space, particularly social media?

41:14 - How is neoliberalism related to slavery and white privilege?

43:53 - Is left-wing populism a danger?

47:16 - Why do we need radical changes, and what should these changes be?

53:35 - What actions can we, individually, take to move away from neoliberalism?

Intro music:

Cold by yoitrax | @yoitrax

Music promoted by www.free-stock-music.com 

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