lead author of the neoliberal script, Milton Friedman was determined to limit the state’s economic role to defending the nation, policing its streets, and enforcing its laws. Its legitimate purpose, he believed, was simply to secure private property and legal contracts, which he saw as the prerequisites for smoothly functioning markets.40 In effect, he sought to relegate the state to a non-speaking part in the economic play: mentioned in the storyline, seen fleetingly on stage, but permitted little action.
