Neoliberalism, Authoritarianism and Populism: Which Way Now?
June 13th, 17.00-19.00.
Khalili Lecture Theatre (KLT)
SOAS University of London
Panel:
Cemal Burak Tansel
Anniversary Postdoctoral Research Fellow
University of Sheffield
Editor of States of Discipline: Authoritarian Neoliberalism and the Contested Reproduction of Capitalist Order (2017)
Feyzi Ismail
Senior Teaching Fellow
Department of Development Studies
SOAS University of London
Alfredo Saad Filho
Professor of Political Economy
SOAS University of London
Dr Sappho Xenakis
Senior Lecturer in Criminology
Birkbeck, University of London
Chair:
Matthew Eagleton-Pierce
Lecturer in International Political Economy
SOAS University of London
From Brexit and Trump to Le Pen, Erdoğan, and Duterte, recent years have witnessed an upsurge in populist, socio-political practices. Across many of these cases, the reproduction of populism has involved the implementation of authoritarian governing processes which, in turn, has provoked intense debate over the meaning and experience of freedom and (in)justice. But to what extent is neoliberalism – in its variegated policy dimensions and effects – implicated in the contemporary relationship between populism and authoritarianism? Six months since the inauguration of Trump offers a space to reflect upon this question and deepen our understanding of the roiling waves of politics which mark our time. This panel brings together an esteemed group of experts to dissect such relations. Ultimately, we are keen to explore with the audience not only contested conceptual meanings and comparisons between different countries, but also what future trajectories may emerge at the intersection between these three major forces.
