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Deep Dive: The Shock Doctrine (2009)

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The Shock Doctrine
The Shock Doctrine investigates the concept of 'disaster capitalism', which is based on Naomi Klein's argument that neo-liberal capitalism thrives on crises such as natural disasters, wars, and acts of terror. The film presents various case studies where economic policies are implemented in the aftermath of disasters, often benefiting corporations at the expense of local populations. Through a series of historical examples, the documentary illustrates how governments and corporations exploit moments of chaos to push through controversial economic reforms. It connects events like Hurricane Katrina and the Iraq War to broader trends in global capitalism, demonstrating the systematic approach to capitalizing on crises.

Why Watch

  • •See how Hurricane Katrina reshaped economic policies.
  • •Find out about the link between war and corporate profit.
  • •Meet Naomi Klein and her views on capitalism.

Did You Know

•Naomi Klein argues that neo-liberal policies often follow natural disasters.
•The film discusses Hurricane Katrina as a case of disaster capitalism.
•It links the Iraq War to the implementation of privatization policies.

Perfect For

Economic policy enthusiastsDisaster response analystsCritics of capitalism