ABSTRACT
The previous two chapters examined the three fractions and their political agency, arguing that they are key protagonists within processes of neoliberalization and yet, simultaneously conditions, mediators and outcomes: recent EU financial integration provided a case study of these dynamics. Specifically, however, I argued that the content and impact of their policy positions – within hegemonic projects – can only be understood given the production of neoliberal common sense. In effect, the fractions seek to transcend their pragmatic individualistic interests in order to secure or maintain political support. Both the immediate shift to neoliberalism in the 1970s and the hegemonic struggles of capital are therefore infused with ‘ideological’ struggles. This chapter begins with a further exploration of Gramsci’s writings on common sense. It then introduces economic research centres as collectives of organic intellectuals producing neoliberal common sense (Macartney 2008). Finally, it examines this common sense embodied in the research findings of the three centres introduced.
