Werner Bonefeld ’s Critique of Ordoliberalism and Authoritarian Liberalism

Abstract

This paper examines Werner Bonefeld’s critique of Ordoliberalism, focusing on the tensions between its advocacy for economic freedom and its dependence on authoritarian state mechanisms. Bonefeld argues that Ordoliberalism, a form of neoliberal governance originating in Germany, promotes a governance model that prioritizes market stability over democratic agency. By examining Ordoliberalism through the lens of “authoritarian liberalism,” this paper analyses how the Ordoliberal state justifies repressive measures to enforce economic order. This critique gains relevance in contemporary contexts, such as European austerity policies, where Ordoliberal principles often lead to restrictions on political freedoms. Through a discussion of Bonefeld’s arguments and the broader implications of authoritarian liberalism in neoliberal governance, the paper illuminates fundamental contradictions within Ordoliberalism and explores their impact on political economy today.