Abstract
Purpose – This paper aims to better understand why neoliberal governance is so resilient to the crises
that frequently affect all or part of the economy.
Design/methodology/approach – The argument of this paper relies on a macroanalysis of
discourses surrounding the Global Financial Crisis.
Findings – Drawing on Girard and Foucault’s work, this paper argues that the resilience of
neoliberalism partly ensues from the proclivity of this mode of governing to foster, for reasons that this
paper seeks to highlight, spontaneous and widespread processes of scapegoating in times of turmoil. As
a consequence of these processes, crises often are collectively construed as resulting from frauds: the
blame is focused on specific actors whose lack of morality is denounced, and this individualizing line of
interpretation protects the regime from systemic questioning.
Practical, social and political implications – Particular actors, rather than the system itself, are
made accountable when things go wrong. Consequences are paramount. Today’s political economy is
characterized with a proclivity toward social reproduction. While substantive change is possible in
theory, considerable challenges are involved in practice in overcoming the dominance of neoliberalism
in society.
Originality/value – Although Girard’s work has exerted significant influence over a number of
disciplines in the social sciences, his ideas have not yet been widely used in governance and
accountability-related research. Anthropological theorizations – such as those proposed by Girard – are
valuable in providing us with a sense of how power develops in the economy.
Keywords Neoliberalism, Crises, Accusations of fraud, Scapegoating process, Sensemaking
Paper type Research pape