Neoliberal Thought and Thatcherism ‘A Transition From Here to There?’ Routledge Studies in Modern British History Series

The premiership of Margaret Thatcher has been portrayed as uniquely ideological in its pursuit of a more market-based economy. A body of literature has been built on how a sharp turn to the right by the Conservative Party during the 1980s - inspired by the likes of Milton Friedman and Friedrich Hayek - acted as one of the key stepping stones to the turbo-charged capitalism and globalization of our modern world. But how ?neoliberal? was Thatcherism? The link between ideas and the Thatcher government has frequently been over-generalized and under-specified. Existing accounts tend to characterize neoliberalism as a homogeneous, and often ill-defined, group of thinkers that exerted a broad influence over the Thatcher government. In particular, this study explores how Margaret Thatcher approached special interest groups, a core neoliberal concern. The results demonstrate a willingness to utilize the state, often in contradictory ways, to pursue apparently more market orientated policies. This book - through a combination of archival research, interviews and examination of neoliberal thought itself - defines the dominant strains of neoliberalism more clearly and explores their relationship with Thatcherism.

Introduction 1. Neoliberal thought 2. Neoliberal ideas in Britain after 1945 3. Economic Policy and the Thatcher government 4. Liberalization? Exchange controls and Enterprise Zones 5. Financial Deregulation 6. Trade Union Reform 7. Electricity Privatization 8. Broadcasting policy 9. Social policy: education vouchers and housing Conclusion

Robert Ledger has a PhD in political science from Queen Mary University of London. He has worked for a think-tank in Brussels, lectured at various universities in London and currently lives and works in Frankfurt.