ABSTRACT
The initial outburst of the 2008 global financial crisis and its immediate aftermath signaled to many, not just on the left, a decline of neoliberal supremacy and a unique political opportunity for its progressive opponents. However, following only a brief period of consternation, neoliberalism now appears to be back with a vengeance, in the global North in any case, while movements contesting it seem disoriented. Although structural reasons underlying such confusion of movements are not to be ignored, this chapter emphasizes obstacles in the ideological sphere. This chapter, in considering the last two decades of anti-neoliberal resistance, examines a tendency of activists and fellow-traveling intellectuals to downplay the role of ideology in the mobilization of protest. These activists and observers focus instead on all-embracing slogans (“The 99 percent”) and claims of methodological uniqueness (networking and prefigurative politics that elevate activists above ideology) which do not, in and of themselves, provide a basis for a resilient political vision. Interestingly, proclamations of a post-ideological age are popular both in neoliberal circles and among their opponents. However, while the idea of the end of ideology has helped to reinforce the hegemony of neoliberalism, it has hindered the effectiveness of anti-neoliberal movements. The chapter contends that effective counterhegemonic political activism is possible only when based on a compelling ideological vision. However, developing a powerful counterhegemonic ideological narrative will not be straightforward due to the multiplicity of ethical and political perspectives that the movement comprises. The question is whether reconciliation between a firm ideology and the need to embrace openness and diversity is at all possible. In tackling this question, the chapter suggests some tentative criteria for a progressive ideological vision that is fitting for an era of fragmented identities and multidimensional affiliations. Prior to that, though, the first two parts of this chapter consider the current stage of the
battle between neoliberalism and its challengers in the global North. The concept of ideology is also introduced, and the idea of the end of ideology is considered in order to pave the way for later discussion of its problematic logical and political implications for anti-neoliberal activism.
