Seismic Shock Doctrine? A Critical Challenge To Naomi Kleins' 'Disaster Capitalism'

Research Paper (undergraduate) from the year 2024 in the subject Political Science, , language: English, abstract: This analysis critically evaluates the applicability of Naomi Klein's "e;shock doctrine"e; in the context of the 1985 earthquake in Mexico, which has been posited as a potential case of disaster capitalism. Contrary to the model suggested by Klein, this document concludes that the evidence does not support the notion that the earthquake expedited neoliberal reforms in mexico. Instead, this paper argues that such reforms were already underway as part of a broader economic strategy independent of the disaster. This study highlights the importance of considering specific historical and socio-economic contexts when applying theoretical frameworks to understand economic policy responses to crises. By doing so, it invites a reevaluation of the generalizability of the shock doctrine and suggests a more nuanced interpretation of the interplay between political economy and natural disasters. The analysis concludes with a call for further research into the distinct dynamics of the Mexican experience and potential oversights in Klein's framework, contributing to a deeper and more critical understanding of disaster capitalism.