The COVID Pandemic and Its Aftermath: Missed Opportunities for Avoiding a Future of Authoritarian Neoliberalism
Abstract
Neoliberalism can be characterized as an exhausted but entrenched growth regime that requires fundamental institutional transformation to create the conditions for inclusive and sustainable growth. But will existing political leadership rise to the challenge of implementing this transition? Experience during and immediately after the COVID-19 pandemic does not give cause for optimism. First, the pandemic itself could have served as a timely reminder of the need for socialized responses to shared sources of uncertainty. Second, the post-pandemic 'inflation' could have served as a timely reminder of the importance of distributive justice as a component of macroeconomic performance. The argument advanced is that both of these opportunities were missed, demonstrating a paucity of vision and leadership among center-left parties at a critical juncture for liberal democracy.
Fields of Study & Subjects
COVID-19 Pandemic Impacts
Political and Economic history of UK and US
Employment and Welfare Studies
Publication details
- Journal / source
- International Journal of Political Economy
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Volume
- 55
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 145–161
- Publication date
- 3 April 2026
- Language
- EN