The Ukraine and Gaza Wars are the Logical Outcome of Neoliberalism, Populism, Nationalism, and Neoconservatism

The bloodshed in Ukraine and Gaza shocks many people who thought left such horrors behind in the 20th century. This shock is confusing because these wars are the logical outcome of the policies of neoliberalism, populism, nationalism, and neoconservatism.

In both conflicts, weak and unpopular populist and neoconservative leaders, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, use war to keep themselves in power, district voters from their failures, and legitimize their failing governments. Indeed, many observers think the Gaza War is the only thing keeping Netanyahu’s government in power.

So what are these ideologies, and how did they lead to war?

The Neoliberal Doom Loop

Neoliberalism is the delusion that austerity, low taxes, unrestricted capitalism, weak government, and socialism for the rich and big corporations will lead to prosperity and utopia. Recent history shows neoliberalism sort of works.

Corporations can make enormous profits under neoliberalism and some classes of people prosper. For example, wages in many fields rise, and the middle class can profit from some aspects of neoliberalism, such as rising property values. However, many others suffer, including the poor, minorities, the less-educated, and some workers.