In today’s European political landscape, where her agenda dominates austeritya new book from the US brings to light the real intentions behind these policies. The work of economist Clara Matei, “The Class of Capital” (The Capital Order), attempts a deeply historical analysis of both Italy and Great Britain in the 1920s, highlighting striking similarities in the austerity strategies adopted by fascists and liberals.

The scientific documentation of austerity

This period is austerity stationas it was then scientifically established and presented as the only solution for financial stability. Matthew’s analysis scientifically rejects the perception that austerity policy failed: * On the contrary, it has achieved exactly what he sought * – the redistribution of wealth in favor of the few and the shrinking of social spending, under the guise of economic salvation.

The author’s references to modern policies, such as the memorandums implemented in Greece by the “troika” and institutions, reveal the timeless character of austerity measures. The arguments about “more work and less demands” remain timely and unfortunately, coordinate with the agenda of many European leaders today.

The real goals of austerity

As the book points out, the austerity It is not the main concern of the well -being of society, but the preservation of the capitalist class. It aims to reduce remuneration, benefits, social spending, and justify these measures as a necessary sacrifice for the “good of the homeland”. The same narrative is utilized by leaders such as Chancellor Mertz in Germany and French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou, who are providing cuts aimed at economic recovery. Similar rhetoric is adopted by both Georgia Meloni in Italy and Peter Orpo in Finland.

Roots and consequences of the model

The choice of the 1920s by Matthew is not accidental. At that time, the labor movement in Europe was demanding reforms and threatening order. The system’s response was the harsh austerity and authoritarianism. We saw the same features in later applications, such as the “Chicago School” in Chile or Thatcher’s measures in Britain and Yeltsin in Russia. The targeting of trade unions was not a side loss, but a conscious targeting for the maintenance of the system.

Matey, with documentation, reveals the frequent anti -democratic nature of decision -makingthe deification of markets and the illusion that the economy is governed by unmistakable natural laws, depoliticized and neutral.

The invocation of dialogue and alternatives

The book, despite objections to the feasibility of the alternative proposed by the author – the ‘Removal from the capitalist system’– It is a necessary trigger for public dialogue. As the Deutschlandfunk website comments, *’a broader discussion […] It would be desirable so that there is no alternative theory of lack of alternatives’*. Despite disagreements, this work remains an irreplaceable source for those who seek to understand in depth the political logic of austerity and its consequences for European society.