Beyond this more abstract transformation, finance disciplines social and economic actors more directly. For instance, should a government choose to buck the neoliberal trend and consider instituting greater protection for workers, communities and environments, or should it dare breathe a hint about nationalization, financial markets interpret this possibility and respond by devaluing currency and downgrading bond ratings, or divesting themselves of shares in risky local ventures (LiPuma and Lee 2004, 151–156). This resistance need not even come to pass for markets to pre-emptively respond with financial discipline; the mere rumour is often enough.

Max Haiven, Cultures of Financialization, loc. 548