With collectivism on the rise, a group of
liberal philosophers, economists, and journalists met in
Paris at the Walter Lippmann Colloquium in 1938 to discuss the future prospects of liberalism. While the participants could not agree on a comprehensive programme, there was universal agreement that a new
liberal (neoliberal) project, able to resist the tendency towards ever more state control without falling back into the dogma of complete laissez-faire, was necessary.
Neoliberalism does not all subscribe to a
single comprehensive philosophy but instead finds common ground in shared sentiments and approaches to public policy.
1. Individual choice and markets are of paramount importance both as an expression of individual
liberty and driving force of economic prosperity.
2. The state serves an important role in establishing conditions favorable to competition through preventing
monopoly, providing a stable monetary framework, and relieving acute misery and distress.
3. Free exchange and movement between countries makes the world richer and has led to an unparalleled decline in global poverty.
4. Public policy has global ramifications and should take into account the effect it has on
people around the world regardless of nationality.
The
core policies of neoliberalism include: free
trade, open borders, occupational licensing reform, zoning reform, carbon pricing and trans
rights.
