Producing Neoliberal Hegemony? a Neo-Gramscian Analysis of the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (Prsp) in Nicaragua

Abstract

Arne Ruckert, in his article “Producing Neoliberal Hegemony? A Neo-Gramscian Analysis of the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) in Nicaragua,” examines the hegemonic aspects of poverty reduction strategies in the post Washington consensus. In his critical reading of the PRSP, Ruckert considers the extent to which this latest global “development” initiative differs from earlier structural adjustment programs. Taking Nicaragua as his case study, Ruckert argues that the PRSP can be seen as an attempt by international financial institutions to rebuild hegemony, but this is not the only result. Ruckert explores not only the ways in which counterhegemonic ideas can be drawn into the service of neoliberalism, but also how those ideas can have positive, perhaps unintended, effects.