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Isabella Weber, associate professor of economics, will discuss her new book, “Anti-Fascist Economics: In Defense of Affordability, Dignity, and Democracy,” on Thursday, Oct. 22, from 6 to 7 p.m., in the Integrative Learning Center Communication Hub, N301. 

The talk will examine how economic policy might better serve the public, particularly as households face persistent affordability challenges and governments confront questions about the relationship between markets and democratic accountability. The event is free and open to the public.

In “Anti-Fascist Economics” (Penguin Random House, 2026), Weber advocates for policies that address the costs of essentials, including food and energy, while confronting corporate power and encouraging international cooperation. She argues that governments must provide tangible economic alternatives to address public frustration and limit the appeal of far-right politics.

In a recent Wall Street Journal article, Weber criticized central banks’ reliance on interest-rate increases to combat inflation, arguing that the approach can increase financial pressure on households and put jobs at risk.

“By hiking interest rates to cool down the labor market, those people who are already bearing the brunt of the shock are now supposed to deal with pressure on their jobs, and even unemployment,” Weber said.

Rather than relying primarily on higher borrowing costs, Weber advocates for measures such as price controls and strategic stockpiles of essential goods to help stabilize prices during supply disruptions. She argues that governments should intervene to prevent sudden price increases from threatening access to necessities.

In addition to her appointment at UMass Amherst, Weber is an associate in research at Harvard University’s Fairbanks Center and a fellow of the OSF Ideas Workshop. She has advised policymakers in the United States, Europe and Latin America on price stabilization measures.

The talk is sponsored by the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, the Department of Economics, the SBS Democracy Project and the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation New York Office. 

“Anti-Fascist Economics” is available from booksellers everywhere.