In this thought-provoking interview series from the RSA, Matthew Taylor, puts a range of leading thinkers on the spot - from writers to business leaders, politicians to journalists - by asking for big ideas to help build effective bridges to our new future. 

In the wake of the crisis of 2008, austerity measures were implemented across the western world to stop financial catastrophe. But what impact have these long-lasting and controversial polices had on workers and communities?  Clara E. Mattei, an assistant professor of economics, believes they have been devastating, and that there's an ulterior motive for governments to implement such damaging policies. Clara joins Matthews to explain why and reveal what she believes are austerity's dark intellectual origins. 

Clara E. Mattei is assistant professor of economics at the New School for Social Research in New York City. Her latest book is 'The Capital Order: How Economists Invented Austerity and Paved the Way to Fascism'. 

A Tempo & Talker production for the RSA. 

In this time of global change, strong communities and initiatives that bring people together are more invaluable than ever before. The RSA Fellowship is a global network of problem solvers. We invite you to join our community today to stay connected, inspired and motivated in the months ahead. 

You can learn more about the Fellowship or start an application by clicking here.