The neo-liberal state / Raymond Plant.

Includes bibliographical references (pages [270]-274) and index.

The nature of the neo-liberal state and the rule of law -- The foundations of the rule of law as a moral ideal -- Freedom, coercion, and the law -- Social justice : a mirage? -- Neo-liberal rights -- The welfare state and the politics of social justice -- Social justice and the welfare state : institutional problems -- Government and markets ; Government, money, and taxation -- Freedom and coercion : an alternative account -- Social justice and neo-liberalism : a critique -- Neo-liberal rights : a wider perspective ; Concluding reflections.

There is a world-wide debate at the moment about the appropriate role for the state in modern societies in the light of the world financial crisis. This text provides a comprehensive analysis and critique of neo-liberal or economic liberal ideas on this issue.