Neoliberalism differs from laissez-faire by making competition its core principle

Evidence

A new ideology … must give high priority to real and efficient limitation of the state’s ability to, in detail, intervene in the activities of the individual. At the same time, it is absolutely clear that there are positive functions allotted the state. The doctrine that, on and off, has been called neoliberalism and that has developed, more or less simultaneously in many parts of the world … is precisely such a doctrine … But instead of the 19th century understanding that laissez-faire is the means to achieve this goal, neoliberalism proposes that competition will lead the way. — Philip Mirowski, Never Let a Serious Crisis Go to Waste, 105

Categorization

• DEFINE: Milton Friedman’s own 1951 definition neatly distinguishes the doctrine from classical laissez-faire, useful for any precise account of what self-identified neoliberals meant.
• SEED: A quotable primary source anchor for an essay on the misuses of ‘neoliberalism’ as a term—showing the doctrine’s advocates once defined it as positive state functions plus competition, not statelessness.
• corroborated: 3 independent passages support this claim — Philip Mirowski, Never Let a Serious Crisis Go to Waste, 105
• XREF: connects to: Neoliberalism differs from laissez-faire liberalism by using state intervention to create competition; Neoliberalism makes competition rather than exchange the essence of the market — Wendy Brown, Undoing the Demos: Neoliberalism’s…, 59; Neoliberalism distinguishes achievement competition from impediment competition where rivals block market access. — Mark Blyth, Austerity: The History of a Dangerous…, 899 (+5 more)

Broader Connections

• Neoliberalism differs from laissez-faire liberalism by using state intervention to create competition #corroborates (0.95)
• Neoliberalism makes competition rather than exchange the essence of the market #expands (0.95) — Wendy Brown, Undoing the Demos, 59
• Early neoliberalism distinguished itself from laissez-faire by championing competition. #corroborates (0.90)
• Early neoliberals framed market competition as dependent on prior moral virtues. #qualifies (0.80) — Jessica Whyte, The Morals of the Market, 70
• Neoliberalism defined itself as a middle path between laissez-faire and planning #corroborates (0.80) — Dieter Plehwe, Quinn Slobodian & Philip Mirowski (eds.), Nine Lives of Neoliberalism, 38
• Neoliberalism distinguishes achievement competition from impediment competition where rivals block market access. #expands (0.75) — Mark Blyth, Austerity, 899
• Market competition was framed by neoliberals as guarantor of rights and peace #expands (0.70)