Neoliberalism as a producer of criminogenic environments? : an examination of Bolivia's neoliberalization 1985-2003 via a lens of state crime : a thesis presented in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Politics, Massey University, New Zealand

Abstract

The aim of this thesis is to examine the potential for neoliberalism to produce a criminogenic environment via the symbiotic relationship between the global economy’s primary actors, that of states, private capital interests and international financial institutions. This symbiotic relationship reinforces and reproduces neoliberal ideology and thus aids neoliberalism in becoming a cultural producer. The theoretical underpinnings of this thesis are rooted in critical theory and the thesis uses historical narrative to aid in explicating neoliberalism’s global ascension. Moreover this thesis is an examination of this phenomenon via a lens of state crime, in particular stateorganized crime, state-corporate crime and crimes of globalization. For the purpose of this thesis, state crime definitions are grounded in human rights laws and norms which are themselves conceptually grounded in the capabilities approach, an approach which serves as an antithesis to neoliberalism. Lastly, this thesis examines neoliberalism’s potential to produce a criminogenic environment via a single-case study; Bolivia’s neoliberalization for the period 1985-2003. The purpose of this thesis is to shed light upon potential and actual social and economic harms brought about by the economic rationality prescribed by the neoliberal ideology.