Austerity self-perpetuates by generating consent for privatizing governments

Evidence

Thus the full power of austerity emerges: it is functional to its own design. Austerity foments popular consensus for fascist-leaning governments that perpetuate further austerity policies. In a move reminiscent of Mussolini’s policies a century ago—when he spearheaded one of the earliest large-scale privatization efforts in capitalist history—the Milei government, in just ten months, successfully privatized key sectors, including energy, water, sewage management, and railways. The Argentine state opened profitable pockets for private investors but condemned its people to higher utility bills, lower-quality service, and lower accountability. To look closer to home: In Pennsylvania, privatized water companies charged 84 percent more than public ones. In New Jersey, people on private systems pay 79 percent more. — Clara E. Mattei, Escape from Capitalism, 235

Categorization

• XREF: Government-induced crisis followed by privatization ‘reforms’ matches the shock-doctrine pattern; Milei-Mussolini parallel strengthens the existing austerity-critique thread. — connects to: Austerity-bred consensus sustains further austerity in a self-reinforcing loop — Clara E. Mattei, Escape from Capitalism: An Intervention, 235; Neoliberals conditioned self-government on accepting market discipline — Jessica Whyte, The Morals of the Market: Human Rights…, 297; Austerity is a recurring policy suite that entrenches wealth and private primacy — Clara E. Mattei, The Capital Order: How Economists…, 21 (+4 more)

Broader Connections

• Austerity-bred consensus sustains further austerity in a self-reinforcing loop #corroborates (0.95) — Clara E. Mattei, Escape from Capitalism, 235
• Neoliberals conditioned self-government on accepting market discipline #expands (0.80) — Jessica Whyte, The Morals of the Market, 297
• Modern austerity requires managing public opinion through consensus and coercion combined #expands (0.80) — Clara E. Mattei, The Capital Order, 818
• Austerity is a recurring policy suite that entrenches wealth and private primacy #expands (0.75) — Clara E. Mattei, The Capital Order, 21