The Shock Doctrine

work by Klein

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July 20, 2026

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The Shock Doctrine by Naomi Klein is a critique of neoliberalism, specifically Milton Friedman's "Chicago school" of economics. Klein terms this approach "disaster capitalism," arguing that it advocates for privatization and deregulation in the aftermath of crises like wars or natural disasters. The book examines how extreme capitalism exploits such events. The Shock Doctrine was also adapted into a documentary film in 2009. Klein is a Canadian author and activist, also known for her book No Logo, which established her as a key figure in the anti-globalization movement.12

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Naomi Klein
No Logo and The Shock Doctrine
Klein’s The Shock Doctrine (2007) was a scathing critique of neoliberalism—particularly of Milton Friedman’s “Chicago school” of economics. The book examined what Klein termed “disaster capitalism,” a form of extreme capitalism that advocated privatization and deregulation in the wake of war or natural catastrophe. The Shock…
Read More
Klein’s The Shock Doctrine (2007) was a scathing critique of neoliberalism—particularly of Milton Friedman’s “Chicago school” of economics. The book examined what Klein termed “disaster capitalism,” a form of extreme capitalism that advocated privatization and deregulation in the wake of war or natural catastrophe. The Shock…
Read More