Disaster capitalism from "summary" of The Shock Doctrine by Naomi Klein
The idea of disaster capitalism is not simply about profiting from disasters, but about harnessing these extreme events as a way to push through policies that would normally be rejected. When a society is in a state of shock - whether from a natural disaster, a terrorist attack, or an economic crisis - people are more likely to accept radical changes that they would otherwise resist. This is when the shock doctrine comes into play. In times of crisis, there is a sense of urgency that allows for decisions to be made quickly, without the usual democratic processes and debates. This is when governments and corporations swoop in with their pre-packaged solutions, taking advantage of the chaos and confusion to push through their own agendas. The result is often a rapid and drastic restructuring of society, with policies that benefit the wealthy and powerful at the expense of the majority. Disaster capitalism thrives on privatization, deregulation, and cuts to social services. In the aftermath of a disaster, public assets are often sold off at rock-bottom prices, leading to the enrichment of a few at the expense of the many. Meanwhile, regulations are gutted, allowing corporations to operate with even greater impunity. And social safety nets are slashed, leaving the most vulnerable members of society to fend for themselves. The shock doctrine is not just about exploiting crises for short-term gain, but about fundamentally reshaping societies in ways that benefit the elite. It is a strategy that has been used time and time again, from the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina to the global financial crisis of 2008. By taking advantage of moments of crisis, disaster capitalists are able to push through their agenda with little resistance, leaving a trail of devastation in their wake.
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