A rival ‘capture’ model explains neoliberalism through lobbying power, not ideas

Evidence

A second form of scholarly explanation, favored in the field of International Political Economy, uses the language of capture. … Here special interests, usually the wealthiest sectors of society—but also specific industry interest groups, nations, or even individuals such as Charles and David Koch—capture policy through proactive lobbying efforts. The think tank is part of the story but in a supplemental role. Against the political power of economic ideas, this could be called the political power of economic power. … Neoliberalism is seen in this analysis primarily as the restoration of class power; ideas take a back seat to market forces. — Dieter Plehwe, Quinn Slobodian & Philip Mirowski (eds.), Nine Lives of Neoliberalism, 203

Categorization

• DEFINE: Distinguishes the two competing scholarly explanations (ideational vs. capture) that the chapter likely critiques or contrasts.
• XREF: connects to: Neoliberal IP orthodoxy was dictated by corporate lobbyists, not market theorists — Dieter Plehwe, Quinn Slobodian & Philip Mirowski (eds.), Nine Lives of Neoliberalism, 200; Capture theory frames neoliberalism as the political power of economic power — Dieter Plehwe, Quinn Slobodian & Philip Mirowski (eds.), Nine Lives of Neoliberalism, 203; Contingency scholars reject theoretical coherence in explaining neoliberal policy (+2 more)

Broader Connections

• Capture theory frames neoliberalism as the political power of economic power #corroborates (0.95) — Dieter Plehwe, Quinn Slobodian & Philip Mirowski (eds.), Nine Lives of Neoliberalism, 203
• Contingency scholars reject theoretical coherence in explaining neoliberal policy #corroborates (0.85)
• Neoliberalism emerged from practical business advocacy, not abstract theory #corroborates (0.75) — Quinn Slobodian, Globalists, 119
• Neoliberal-corporate relations defy both independence and instrumentality framings #qualifies (0.75) — Philip Mirowski & Dieter Plehwe (eds.), The Road from Mont Pèlerin, 31