UPCOMING: The World under Capitalism
We live in a world defined by capitalism. Historically, it has delivered general prosperity through a variety of systems, from liberal market economies to progressive social democracies. But capitalism has always had a moral price tag. It often celebrates material success at the expense of growing economic inequalities and generates political instability.
What does it mean to be rich and poor in the twenty-first century? Why have liberal market democracies increasingly become plutocracies? What do western societies owe to migrants arriving at their borders? Does Chinese state capitalism offer a model of development for the postcolonial South? Can we lessen poverty, reduce global inequality and achieve sustainable growth in an era of accelerating climate change?
Capitalism is an inherently risky system. Ultimately our choices, and how clearly we see them, will determine our futures.
In conversation with Sanjay Ruparelia at the Toronto Reference Library.
About the series:
On the Frontlines of Democracy is a public lecture series to analyze the trajectory of democracy in the twenty-first century. In every region, the prospects of democracy face serious challenges, old and new. Can we protect constitutional rights and renew collective self-rule in an era of popular mistrust, severe partisanship and resurgent nationalism? Can they reduce inequalities of power, wealth and status, defend deep diversity and confront climate change in the new digital age? Can we develop innovative strategies to revitalize civic engagement, empower public institutions and resist autocratic threats? And what can we offer, learn and do to promote the prospects of democracy in our increasingly post-western global order?
