Five books that defined neoliberalism

The Road to Serfdom (1944) by Friedrich Hayek

In this short polemic, Hayek linked planning with totalitarianism. Margaret Thatcher kept it in her handbag.

Atlas Shrugged (1957) by Ayn Rand

The Russian-born novelist hated communism and thought selfishness a moral good. In this novel, John Galt leads a strike by “men of talent” to “stop the motor of the world.”

Capitalism and Freedom (1962) by Milton Friedman

Friedman became the face of monetarism and the free-market Chicago School. He lived until 2006, long enough to see his ideas become mainstream.

The World is Flat (2005) by Thomas Friedman

This manifesto for the benefits of globalisation, by the New York Times columnist, caught the moment of neoliberal triumphalism just before the crash.

Dead Aid (2010) by Dambisa Moyo

How to help Africa? Make charity history, argues the Zambian-born economist, and instead let the continent embrace a deregulated free market.