Mainstream economists applauded Mussolini’s austerity as sound fiscal discipline.

Evidence

A few years later, these experts would support the rise to power of the founding father of fascism, Benito Mussolini. Mussolini guaranteed a sufficient dose of economic austerity, characterized by wage reductions, cuts in social spending, the privatization of public services, and increased interest rates. His economic rectitude garnered applause from economic experts worldwide, including liberals and nationalists alike. — Clara E. Mattei, Escape from Capitalism, 14

Categorization

• XREF: Connects to literature on economists’ affinity for authoritarian-facilitated austerity (e.g., the 1975 Pinochet/Chicago Boys episode). — connects to: Mussolini’s austerity policies won applause from international experts — Clara E. Mattei, Escape from Capitalism: An Intervention, 14; The Economist initially viewed Mussolini’s austerity program with sympathy as sane finance — Clara E. Mattei, The Capital Order: How Economists…, 1723; Liberal economists endorsed Mussolini to enforce austerity on Italy’s workers — Clara E. Mattei, The Capital Order: How Economists…, 656 (+3 more)
• SEED: Article angle: the recurring pattern of liberal economists endorsing strongmen who deliver painful austerity — Mussolini 1920s, Pinochet 1970s, contemporary examples.

Broader Connections

• Mussolini’s austerity policies won applause from international experts #corroborates (0.95) — Clara E. Mattei, Escape from Capitalism, 14
• The Economist initially viewed Mussolini’s austerity program with sympathy as sane finance #exemplifies (0.95) — Clara E. Mattei, The Capital Order, 1723
• Liberal economists endorsed Mussolini to enforce austerity on Italy’s workers #expands (0.90) — Clara E. Mattei, The Capital Order, 656
• Liberal economists supported fascist austerity despite opposing dictatorship #expands (0.90) — Gary Mongiovi, Austerity Is an Antidemocratic Strategy…, 107