Haymarket Books Live Neoliberalism, Fascism, and the Order of Capital: Spectre Issue 12 Launch
Jan 12, 2026
Clara E. Mattei, an economist and author, dives into how economic doctrines paved the way for austerity and authoritarianism. David McNally, a historian and editor, highlights the parallels between today and the interwar period, arguing austerity remains a tool for state control. They discuss the critical role of social reproduction workers in resisting austerity measures. The talk delves into the intertwining of neoliberalism and authoritarianism and the need for grassroots organizing against austerity. Their insights challenge us to rethink economic strategies in today’s political landscape.
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Economics As A Political Project
- Pure economics emerged to naturalize and defend capitalism when its legitimacy was shaken after World War I.
- Austerity functions to politically reassert market dependence, protecting profit and disciplining labor.
Austerity As Class Strategy
- Austerity is an active state strategy to increase market dependence and safeguard profit expectations.
- It is not merely a macroeconomic mistake but a class strategy functional to capitalism.
The Political Nature Of Economic Decisions
- Untying economic from political spheres masks collective choices and conceals power relations.
- Repoliticization during crises reveals that economic decisions are political and subject to contestation.
