The "Shock Doctrine" is a concept developed by author and activist Naomi Klein, which suggests that governments and corporations exploit crises—such as natural disasters, wars, or economic upheavals—to implement controversial policies. These policies often favor privatization and deregulation, which may not be accepted during normal circumstances. The idea is that the chaos of a crisis creates a "shock" that makes people more vulnerable and less likely to resist changes.
Klein argues that this strategy has been used in various instances around the world, including in countries like Chile under Augusto Pinochet and after Hurricane Katrina in the United States. By taking advantage of the disorientation caused by crises, powerful entities can push through reforms that benefit them, often at the expense of the public good.