Introduction: Romani Politics in Neoliberal Europe

Abstract

Europe in the last two decades has experienced unprecedented economic, political and social transformations — the collapse of the Soviet Union and its satellite states, the neoliberal restructuring of post-WWII welfare systems in Western (as well as Eastern) states, the violent disintegration of Yugoslavia in the 1990s, the enlargement of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) and the European Union to include former socialist countries, and a growing economic crisis — all these pivotal events define this period.

Liberalism was never a doctrine of the Left; it was always the quintessential centrist doctrine. Its advocates were sure of their moderation, their wisdom, and their humanity. They arrayed themselves simultaneously against an archaic past of unjustified privilege (which they considered to be represented by conservative ideology) and a reckless levelling that took no account of either virtue or merit (which they considered to be represented by socialist/radical ideology). Liberals have always sought to define the rest of the political scene as made up of two extremes between which they fall.

(Wallerstein 1995: 1–2)

What was needed instead […] was public action to provide decent housing and jobs, a clamp down on exploitation of migrant workers and support [for] economic development in Europe’s neighbours. That opportunity has now been lost, as Italy is gripped by an ominous and retrograde spasm.

(Milne, The Guardian, 10 July 2008 [comment on rising anti-Romani violence in Italy])