Connections to Neo-Liberal Politics, Globalism, and Their Effects on the United States

Introduction

Ayn Rand and Objectivism continue to shape political and economic landscapes, especially through their influence on Neo-liberal ideologies. Rand’s philosophy of rational self-interest and unregulated capitalism serves as a moral framework for

leaders who prioritize profits over people.

These ideas, when intertwined with Neo-liberal politics and globalism, often create economic inequities and social fragmentation in the United States. This essay examines how Ayn Rand’s objectivism aligns with Neo-liberal practices and globalist agendas, illustrating their consequences with concrete examples and exploring the broader implications for American society.

Ayn Rand and Objectivism: Foundations and Principles

Ayn Rand’s objectivism promotes the supremacy of individual achievement and the rejection of altruism. Her novels The Fountainhead (1943) and Atlas Shrugged (1957) glorify self-made heroes who challenge collectivist norms. Rand argues that only through rational self-interest can individuals and societies achieve greatness.

In practice, this philosophy dismisses the structural inequities that limit opportunities for many. For instance, while Rand celebrates unregulated capitalism, the absence of oversight allowed the 2008 financial crisis to devastate millions of families. Banks and financial institutions, guided by profit motives, exploited predatory lending practices that mirrored Rand’s emphasis on self-interest. The subsequent bailouts for Wall Street executives highlight the moral failings of objectivism in real-world application.

Rand’s dismissal of social programs also poses challenges. She viewed welfare as an unjust redistribution of wealth, yet programs like Social Security and Medicare provide lifelines to millions. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, government stimulus checks and unemployment benefits prevented economic collapse for many families. These interventions contradict Randian ideals but demonstrate the necessity of collective action in crises.

Objectivism and Neo-Liberal Politics

Neo-liberalism integrates Ayn Rand’s objectivism into governance, prioritizing market deregulation, privatization, and minimal government interference. Reaganomics provides a striking example. President Ronald Reagan reduced taxes for corporations and slashed social programs, claiming these measures would stimulate economic growth. While GDP improved, wealth inequality skyrocketed, with the richest 1% reaping most benefits.

Similarly, Reagan’s deregulation of the airline industry exemplifies objectivist principles in action. Deregulation encouraged competition but also led to poor working conditions for employees. In 1981, Reagan fired over 11,000 air traffic controllers during a union strike, illustrating how objectivism disregards collective labor rights. Today, gig economy companies like Uber replicate this model, bypassing worker protections under the guise of entrepreneurial freedom.

The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act under President Donald Trump further illustrates the Neo-liberal embrace of objectivism. The act reduced corporate tax rates from 35% to 21%, leading to stock buybacks rather than wage increases for employees. For example, Apple repurchased $100 billion of its stock after benefiting from the tax cuts, while workers saw negligible pay raises. This focus on corporate enrichment reflects objectivist ideals but exacerbates income disparities.

The Role of Globalism in Amplifying Objectivist Ideals

Globalism extends objectivist principles to international markets, often prioritizing corporate interests over local economies. Proponents argue globalism fosters innovation, but its consequences often harm workers and communities.

The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) exemplifies this dynamic. While NAFTA increased trade between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, it devastated American manufacturing towns. Companies relocated factories overseas for cheaper labor, displacing thousands of workers. For instance, Flint, Michigan, suffered massive job losses as General Motors outsourced production, leading to economic decline and a deteriorating infrastructure.

Another example is Amazon’s global supply chain, which thrives on Neo-liberal deregulation. The company benefits from weak labor protections in developing countries while offering low wages to American workers. In 2020, Amazon reported record profits, but many employees struggled to afford basic necessities. This disparity underscores how globalist policies, rooted in objectivism, prioritize profit over people.

Social and Cultural Impacts in the United States

Ayn Rand and objectivism profoundly influence American culture, promoting hyper-individualism and resistance to collective solutions. Politicians frequently invoke Randian rhetoric to justify reducing public spending on health care and education.

For example, Senator Rand Paul, a vocal admirer of Rand, opposes universal health care, framing it as government overreach. Yet, countries with universal systems, such as Canada, provide better health outcomes at lower costs. In the U.S., medical bankruptcies remain a leading cause of financial ruin, reflecting the consequences of prioritizing profit-driven health care.

Education also suffers under objectivist and Neo-liberal policies. Charter schools, promoted as innovative alternatives, often drain resources from public schools. Detroit’s public schools exemplify this issue, where charter expansion left traditional schools underfunded and overcrowded. This shift echoes Rand’s disdain for public institutions, but its implications harm vulnerable students.

Pragmatic Reflections on Objectivism

Ayn Rand and objectivism offer valuable insights into individual creativity and the power of entrepreneurship. However, unchecked application leads to systemic inequities. Pragmatically, societies must balance self-interest with collective welfare. For instance, regulating industries to ensure fair wages and workplace safety protects workers while encouraging innovation. Public investments in infrastructure, health care, and education can complement market-driven growth, creating a sustainable balance.

Conclusion

Ayn Rand and objectivism, when adopted as guiding principles for Neo-liberal politics and globalism, often prioritize profits over societal well-being. While her philosophy celebrates individualism and ambition, its application exacerbates inequality and undermines collective progress. By integrating the strengths of Rand’s ideas with safeguards against exploitation, the United States can build a more equitable and prosperous society. Understanding these dynamics offers a roadmap to a future where both individuals and communities thrive.

Sources Cited

Rand, A. (1943). The Fountainhead. New York, NY: Bobbs-Merrill.

Rand, A. (1957). Atlas Shrugged. New York, NY: Random House.

Harvey, D. (2005). A Brief History of Neoliberalism. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press.

Klein, N. (2007). The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism. New York, NY: Picador.

Reich, R. (2018). The Common Good. New York, NY: Knopf.

Stiglitz, J. (2019). People, Power, and Profits. New York, NY: W.W. Norton.

Suggestions for Further Reading

Smith, A. (1776). The Wealth of Nations – Foundational insights into capitalism and its societal impacts. 

Nozick, R. (1974). Anarchy, State, and Utopia – A libertarian critique aligning with Rand’s ideals. 

Stiglitz, J. E. (2019). People, Power, and Profits – Examines inequality under global capitalism. 

Hayek, F. A. (1944). The Road to Serfdom – Warns against centralized economic planning. 

Rawls, J. (1971). A Theory of Justice – Explores fairness and equity within political frameworks. 

Krugman, P. (1999). The Return of Depression Economics – Highlights market failures and their consequences. 

Bellamy Foster, J. (2009). The Great Financial Crisis – Links Neo-liberalism to global financial instability. 

Chomsky, N. (1999). Profit Over People: Neoliberalism and Global Order – Critiques corporate-driven policies. 

Hedges, C. (2018). America: The Farewell Tour – Explores the societal impacts of unchecked capitalism. 

Disclaimer: The images and videos in this post are AI-generated creations, intended purely for illustrative and conceptual purposes. They are not real-life representations and should not be interpreted as such. Their sole purpose is to offer a visual means of exploring the topics discussed in this post.