Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher are the poster children of neoliberalism.

Neoliberalism is an economic and political ideology that emerged in the latter half of the 20th century. It advocates for free-market capitalism with minimal state intervention. Key tenets of neoliberalism include deregulation of industries, privatization of state-owned enterprises, reduction of government spending, particularly on social welfare, and the promotion of free trade.

Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher, although nominally politically conservatives, implemented policies that strongly align with neoliberalism:

1. Market Liberalization: Both Reagan and Thatcher aggressively pursued market liberalization policies. They reduced government regulation in several key industries, believing that an unregulated market would be more efficient and beneficial for economic growth.

2. Privatization: Thatcher's government notably privatized several state-owned enterprises in the UK, including British Telecom and British Gas. Similarly, Reagan's administration promoted privatization in various sectors, shifting responsibilities from the government to private entities.

3. Tax Policy: Both leaders implemented significant tax reforms, reducing the tax burden, especially for businesses and higher-income individuals. This approach reflects a neoliberal belief in stimulating investment and economic growth through lower taxes.

4. Reduction in Social Welfare Spending: Both Thatcher and Reagan cut government spending on social welfare programs. This aligns with the neoliberal view that too much state provision can stifle individual initiative and market efficiency.

In the context of economic and political ideologies, "liberalism" can have different meanings. In the classical sense, it refers to a philosophy emphasizing individual freedoms, limited government, and free markets. This classical liberalism aligns with some aspects of neoliberalism, such as the emphasis on free markets. However, in modern American political discourse, "liberal" often denotes a preference for more government intervention in the economy, social welfare, and progressive social policies, which is somewhat at odds with both classical liberalism and neoliberalism.

Therefore, while Reagan and Thatcher were politically conservative, their economic policies were liberal in the classical sense and distinctly neoliberal. They emphasized free-market capitalism and reduced government intervention, aligning with the core principles of neoliberalism.