Economics · Politics and government · Current affairs
The Shock Doctrine
Naomi Klein argues that free-market reforms have often been pushed through during crises such as coups, wars and disasters, when people are too disoriented to resist.
Facts last checked 2026-10-17
- First published
- 2007
- Pace
- Medium
- Length
- Long
- Pages
- 558
- Format
- Standalone
Read this if you want a critical account of how economic policy has been used in crises.
Skip this if you want a balanced debate, as it argues one position firmly.
The feel
Content warnings
Quick answers about The Shock Doctrine
- What is The Shock Doctrine about?
- Naomi Klein argues that free-market reforms have often been pushed through during crises such as coups, wars and disasters, when people are too disoriented to resist.
- Who should read The Shock Doctrine?
- Read it if you want a critical account of how economic policy has been used in crises. Skip it if you want a balanced debate, as it argues one position firmly.
- How long and how fast is The Shock Doctrine?
- It is a medium-paced, long read of about 558 pages, first published in 2007.
- Does The Shock Doctrine have content warnings?
- Content we flag: Torture, Violence.
- Can I borrow The Shock Doctrine for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends The Shock Doctrine; the borrow button above searches it for you.
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