Ted Talk: Noam Chomsky: Neoliberalism Is Destroying Our Democracy

What changed fundamentally after World War II?

Human intelligence created existential threats capable of destroying civilization itself.

When were nuclear weapons first used?

August 6, 1945, Hiroshima.

Why was this moment significant?

Humanity became immediately aware of its ability to cause global destruction.

What is the Doomsday Clock?

A symbolic measure created in 1947 by the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists to show proximity to global catastrophe.

Key Doomsday Clock moments?

• 2015: 3 minutes to midnight (closest since 1984)

• 2017 (post-Trump election): 2.5 minutes to midnight (closest since 1953)

What is the Anthropocene?

An era defined by severe human impact on Earth’s environment.

When did environmental disruption intensify?

Significantly after 1945.

Why is this considered an existential threat?

Environmental collapse threatens long-term human survival.

When did neoliberalism begin to dominate?

1970s onward.

What transition occurred?

• 1950s–60s: Regulated, egalitarian capitalism; high growth & social justice

• Neoliberal era: Deregulation, privatization, reduced social solidarity

What sectors were deregulated?

• Airlines

• Trucking

• Financial institutions

What other major changes came with neoliberalism?

• Decontrolled oil and gas prices

• Lowered global trade barriers

What mechanisms does neoliberalism undermine?

• Mutual support

• Popular engagement

• Social solidarity

How is neoliberalism framed?

As “freedom.”

Why is neoliberalism being framed as freedom misleading?

• Fairness: Decisions aim for equitable outcomes

• Neoliberal freedom: Subordination to concentrated, unaccountable private power

How does neoliberalism affect governance?

Undermines institutions of collective decision-making.

What is Margaret Thatcher’s key quote that describes the mechanisms and social consequences of neoliberalism?

“There is no society, only individuals.”

How does the mechanisms and social consequences of neoliberalism connect to Marx?

Society becomes an amorphous mass (“sack of potatoes”) unable to act collectively.

What happens to unions and civic groups with neoliberalism?

They are weakened → citizens lose political capacity.

How does neoliberalism affect citizens?

Produces passivity, apathy, and disengagement (aka an engaged public)

Why is neoliberalism producing passivity, apathy, and disengagement dangerous?

An engaged public is the main barrier against nuclear and environmental threats.

What does neoliberalism do to the barrier of the engaged public?

Systematically removes it.

What creates the “perfect storm”?

• Existential threats (nuclear + environmental)

• Neoliberal erosion of public engagement and solidarity

Does understanding neoliberalism require expert insight?

No — the evidence is visible in current global and social trends.

Summary

Post-WWII humanity faces unprecedented existential threats, and neoliberalism weakens the only effective defense—an informed, active, collective public.