Tiago Moreira Ramalho's important new book provides crucial new insights on the politics of crisis in southern Europe, undermining and revising many existing interpretations. In a skillful exercise of “constructivist institutionalism”, Legitimating Austerity shows that the highly debatable case for austerity was woven together by supranational entities and domestic political actors within Greece, Portugal and Spain. Although their efforts failed in various economically relevant ways, they succeeded in persuading much of the public, winning decisive elections through a pro-austerity framing of economic challenges.

Robert M. Fishman, Professor of Political Science and Sociology, Carlos III University of Madrid

Legitimating Austerity is a timely and essential contribution to the field of political economy. Through rich empirical research and sharp analysis, Ramalho masterfully unpacks how austerity was not merely a response to economic crises, but a deeply political project that influenced the course of Southern Europe. His nuanced examination of the narratives and legitimation processes behind austerity reveals the complexity of crisis management, offering fresh insights into the interplay of politics, economics, and power. This book is an indispensable read for anyone seeking to understand the lasting impacts of austerity in Europe and beyond.

Manuela Moschella, University of Bologna, Italy