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A new Authoritarian Neoliberal social structure of accumulation in the United States?

Author

Listed:
  • Mark Setterfield

    (Department of Economics, New School for Social Research, USA)

Abstract

Drawing on social structure of accumulation theory (SSAT), this paper entertains a possible future for the US economy based on an Authoritarian Neoliberal social structure of accumulation (SSA). The original Neoliberal SSA is understood to have supported a distinct stage of capitalism -- the Neoliberal Boom, 1990-2007 -- that was brought to an end by the global financial crisis and Great Recession of 2007-09. The period since 2009 is interpreted as one of ongoing inter regnum, albeit one that may shortly be replaced by a new stage of capitalism based on a stable Authoritarian Neoliberal SSA. A novel feature of the analysis is its emphasis on the 'capital-citizen accord' -- a somewhat overlooked feature of SSAT analyses of recent US economic history -- as a critical 'pillar' of an Authoritarian Neoliberal SSA.

Suggested Citation

  • Mark Setterfield, 2026. "A new Authoritarian Neoliberal social structure of accumulation in the United States?," Working Papers 2607, New School for Social Research, Department of Economics.
  • Handle: RePEc:new:wpaper:2607
    as

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    File URL: https://repec.economicpolicyresearch.org/econ/2026/NSSR_WP_072026.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • B52 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - Current Heterodox Approaches - - - Historical; Institutional; Evolutionary; Modern Monetary Theory;
    • E02 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - General - - - Institutions and the Macroeconomy
    • P16 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Capitalist Economies - - - Capitalist Institutions; Welfare State
    • P51 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Comparative Economic Systems - - - Comparative Analysis of Economic Systems

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