Naomi Klein's "The Shock Doctrine" is a non-fiction book that examines the rise of "disaster capitalism" and the use of shock tactics to impose free-market economic policies around the world. Klein argues that these policies have been imposed during times of crisis, such as natural disasters, coups, and wars, when populations are in a state of shock and unable to resist. She traces the history of this phenomenon, from the brutal imposition of neoliberal policies in Chile under the Pinochet regime to the invasion of Iraq and the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Klein's book highlights the disastrous effects of these policies on vulnerable populations, and calls for a return to more democratic and equitable economic policies.
Chapter by chapter outline:
Chapter 1: "The Doctrine of Shock"
Klein introduces the concept of "shock doctrine," and argues that it has been used to impose neoliberal economic policies around the world. She traces the origins of this doctrine to the work of psychologist Ewen Cameron, who experimented with brainwashing techniques during the Cold War.
Chapter 2: "The Myth of the Chilean Miracle"
Klein examines the imposition of neoliberal policies in Chile under the Pinochet regime, which was facilitated by the violent overthrow of democratically elected President Salvador Allende. She argues that the so-called "Chilean miracle" was built on a foundation of repression and exploitation.
Chapter 3: "War is Peace"
Klein looks at the use of shock tactics during the first Gulf War and the subsequent sanctions against Iraq. She argues that the US government used the crisis in Iraq to push through free-market economic policies and that these policies have had disastrous consequences for the Iraqi people.
Chapter 4: "Democracy born in Chains"
Klein examines the imposition of neoliberal policies in post-apartheid South Africa, which she argues was facilitated by the African National Congress (ANC) government's acceptance of the Washington Consensus. She argues that the ANC's embrace of neoliberal policies has undermined the promise of democracy in South Africa.
Chapter 5: "Shock and Awe in Rio"
Klein looks at the use of shock tactics in Rio de Janeiro, where the government has used the pretext of fighting crime to impose a militarized form of neoliberalism. She argues that this approach has led to a brutal crackdown on the poor and marginalized communities.
Chapter 6: "From Pinochet to Putin"
Klein examines the rise of neoliberalism in Russia after the fall of the Soviet Union. She argues that the shock tactics used in Russia were similar to those used in Chile, and that they led to the rise of oligarchs and the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few.
Chapter 7: "The New Doctor Shock"
Klein looks at the use of shock tactics in post-Katrina New Orleans, where the government used the crisis to privatize public services and push through free-market policies. She argues that this approach has further marginalized the city's already vulnerable population.
Chapter 8: "Cleaning the Slate"
Klein examines the use of shock tactics in post-tsunami Sri Lanka, where the government used the crisis to push through neoliberal economic policies. She argues that this approach has led to the marginalization of coastal communities and the displacement of poor fishermen.
Chapter 9: "Aftershocks"
Klein concludes by looking at the global economic crisis of 2008 and argues that it is a result of the same free-market policies that have been imposed through shock tactics around the world. She calls for a return to more democratic and equitable economic policies.