The Leviathan of Neoliberalism: Fear, Propaganda, and the Illusion of Choice

Since the 1990s, the world has been shaped by a dominant economic and political system—one that presents itself as inevitable, rational, and unquestionable. This system, often referred to as neoliberalism, prioritises markets over people, profits over communities, and individualism over social cohesion. But it does more than just govern economies; it defends itself ruthlessly against any challenge, branding its critics as extremists or even fascists.

The Weaponisation of Fear

One of the key strategies of the neoliberal order is to instil fear in the public. Anyone who questions its failures—whether it be unaffordable housing, economic inequality, or political corruption—is swiftly labelled as dangerous. This is not an accident; it is a well-designed mechanism to prevent opposition from gaining legitimacy.

People who once spoke out against government corruption, financial greed, and corporate dominance suddenly find themselves paralysed by fear. They may have suffered under the system, struggling with low wages, unaffordable healthcare, or the erosion of their communities. But once the neoliberal machine brands an opposition movement as “fascist” or “extreme,” fear overrides memory. Instead of resisting the system that has failed them, they turn on its critics, convinced that the alternative is even worse.

Pseudoscience as Justification

To maintain its grip, the neoliberal order uses modern pseudoscience—wrapped in the language of economics and data metrics—to discredit dissent. Economic models, GDP growth figures, and corporate-backed studies are paraded as “scientific evidence” to justify policies that primarily benefit the elite.

But economics, as it is often practised today, is not a neutral science. It is a tool of ideology. While cloaked in numbers and formulas, many economic theories serve to reinforce the status quo. Any proposal that challenges corporate power—whether it be stronger unions, wealth redistribution, or greater public investment—is dismissed as “bad economics.” The public is told that such policies would cause inflation, market crashes, or economic instability, despite historical evidence showing otherwise.

This illusion of scientific authority discourages questioning. People are taught that only experts can understand these complex systems, and since the experts all agree (or at least the ones given a platform do), resistance seems irrational.

The Self-Preservation of the System

The neoliberal system does not engage with critics in good faith. Instead, it uses propaganda to smear them. The opposition is not debated—it is demonised.

We see this pattern repeatedly:

• Political movements that advocate for economic justice are labelled as dangerous populists.
• Leaders who question global financial institutions are painted as dictators-in-waiting.
• Protests against corporate influence or inequality are dismissed as naive or radical.

The goal is clear: create an association in the public mind between opposition and danger. When people hear the word “fascist” or “extremist,” they recoil. It does not matter if the accusations are baseless—what matters is that the label sticks. This branding ensures that even those who suffer under neoliberalism will hesitate to join forces with its critics.

Breaking the Spell

The first step in resisting this manipulation is recognising it for what it is. The neoliberal order survives by controlling narratives and using fear as a weapon. But history shows that no system is invulnerable.

People must reclaim their ability to think critically, to question the authority of so-called experts who serve corporate interests, and to resist fear-driven propaganda. This means looking beyond mainstream media narratives, engaging in real discussions about the failures of the system, and refusing to let fear dictate their alliances.

The Leviathan of neoliberalism thrives on division and misinformation. Its greatest weakness? A public that sees through the illusion.