“Progressive” Neoliberalism in Europe: Discourses in the Shadow of Political Power

Abstract

Neoliberalism remains a contested narrative within global capitalism, requiring alliances across social classes and political fractions. Within this landscape, progressive neoliberalism occupies a distinct position, representing an alliance between financial capital and progressive elements of social movements. Originating in US debates of the 2010s that questioned its “humanitarian” claims, this research extends the analysis to Europe, focusing on centrist social and liberal democratic politics. Using Nancy Fraser’s concept of progressive neoliberalism, the study applies discourse analysis to speeches of four European leaders—Rutte, Macron, Scholz, and Sanchez—showing how their rhetoric combines support for Western alliances with moderate framings of social issues.