The Rise and Fall of the Neoliberal Order – America and the World in the Free Market Era by George Gerstle

Geoffrey Gerstle’s The Rise and Fall of the Neoliberal Order: America and the World in the Free Market Era is an essential book that examines how neoliberalism dominated American policy and thought. It should be read by anyone interested in US history.

Gerstle is the Paul Mellon Professor of American History at the University of Cambridge. His work has been recognized in publications such as Atlantic Monthly, Dissent, and The Nation.

Early Life and Education

Gerstle’s most recent book asserts that the neoliberal order which has dominated American politics for three decades is on the brink of collapse. He believes a new progressive order may be taking shape.

His book revolves around the notion of a “political order”–a dominant structure of power relations that spans from local to national and international. This term has long been used in history to signify different eras or periods in governance, organized around specific political narratives.

Gerstle begins his analysis with the New Deal order, which was founded on a class compromise between capital and labor. This agreement was formed during the late 1940s and ’50s as America grappled with an intensifying Cold War, fears of communism, and worries about another economic depression.

Professional Career

Professor Gerstle, a Paul Mellon Professor of American History at Sidney Sussex College, is an expert on social and political history, particularly the 20th century. Additionally, he has published six books as well as more than 25 articles.

He recently retired as Boulder County’s Transportation Director, where he had the unique opportunity to oversee the rebuilding of some of Colorado’s most iconic roads and bridges, such as Colorado State Highway 36 express lanes project and numerous subdivision roads that were resiliently constructed after September 2013 floods.

His professional accomplishments also span across environmental planning, government relations and state transportation. As part of the team that created Boulder County’s initial transportation plan in 2007, he left behind a lasting legacy: creating an integrated planning and design process for roadways, sidewalks and bikeways.

Achievements and Honors

Gerstle dedicated much of his time and energy to charitable work, particularly aiding orphans. Additionally, he generously contributed money and support to numerous worthwhile organizations.

In the 1990s, Gerstle served as a board member of Cyclists 4 Community – an organization dedicated to encouraging cycling. Additionally, he had served on the Boulder County Transportation Department.

He received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including a Presidential Medallion for Teaching and Service as well as recognition as a National Humanities Medal winner.

Gerstle was an accomplished academic as well as a successful businessman. He founded Union Iron Works in San Francisco and owned several other manufacturing enterprises. Additionally, he owned an expansive block of real estate within San Francisco’s bustling business district.

Personal Life

Gerstle has an illustrious career in history. He has authored books on topics such as race and American government.

His most recent book, The Rise and Fall of Neoliberalism, was published in 2018. This comprehensive examination explores both the roots of neoliberalism as well as its subsequent demise.

Gerstle is a Paul Mellon Professor of American History at the University of Cambridge and an affiliated fellow of Sidney Sussex College. His research interests encompass social and political history with an emphasis on the late eighteenth century.

Net Worth

Gerstle was a champion of free market principles in Colorado. He began as part of Roy Romer’s policy staff before joining the state transportation department where he displayed both policy acumen and technical proficiency. His initiatives included advocating for more accessible transportation options like community pass programs or free bus service, policies to improve public health and reduce congestion, as well as championing community-based development and environmental protection efforts.