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GDP per capita has increased everywhere but Africa and that appears to be improving now in Africa. Living standards as measured by deaths in childbirth, infant

GDP per capita has increased everywhere but Africa and that appears to be improving now in Africa. Living standards as measured by deaths in childbirth, infant mortality, lifespan, healthy lifespan, education and literacy have improved almost everywhere, even in places with no economy of more dependent on aid like Afghanistan, Niger or Chad. The absolute number of people in poverty may not be declining much outside China but that’s a function of massive population growth, not a failure of neoliberalism. Neoliberalism has brought more people out of poverty than anything else, and it’s not a close race.

sonnyblarney 8y ago
"Neoliberalism has brought more people out of poverty" How about just Economic Liberalism, and good governance, and not 'Neoliberalism'? Because the neoliberals want government out of almost everything, so they can sell all those Africans Nike shoes for 50x the cost to be made. In between the two arguments there's a fair point: China's growth can't be characterized as 'neoliberal' or else they would be a total open market! But there are strong capital controls, a politicized currency etc. etc. so it can't be called 'neoliberal'. I think 'basic economic freedom' with 'intelligent governance' and possibly 'national strategies' in key areas like natural resources where it makes sense (i.e. Statoil in Norway) or education and healthcare where there is a dramatic need. And yes - even economic protectionism in certain areas.