Events

Has neoliberalism failed? Reflections on Western society

Hosted by the Hayek Programme in Economics and Liberal Political Economy

In-person and online public event (Hong Kong Theatre, Clement House)

Speaker

Dr Samuel Gregg

Dr Samuel Gregg

Chair

Professor Sir Tim Besley

Professor Sir Tim Besley

Join us for a public lecture by Samuel Gregg as he explores the question of whether neoliberalism has failed.

In this timely event, Dr Gregg will delve into the origins of the term "neoliberalism" and its contested usefulness in today's discourse. He will critically examine claims by prominent scholars like Francis Fukuyama, who argue that neoliberal policies have exacerbated inequality, fueled populism, and contributed to a host of socio-economic challenges in the West. Dr Gregg will also evaluate whether intellectuals such as F.A. Hayek and Milton Friedman fit the 'neoliberal' label and will provide insights on the current state of Western society, with particular attention to the implications of the U.S. presidential election, which will have recently concluded. This lecture offers a crucial opportunity to reflect on the future of liberal democracy, the role of "neoliberalism" in it and its impact on contemporary politics and society.

Meet our speakers and chair

Samuel Gregg (@DrSamuelGregg) is the Friedrich Hayek Chair in Economics and Economic History at the American Institute for Economic Research. He has a D.Phil. in moral philosophy and political economy from Oxford University, and an M.A. in political philosophy from the University of Melbourne. He has written and spoken extensively on questions of political economy, economic history, monetary theory and policy, and natural law theory.

Tim Besley is School Professor of Economics and Political Science and W. Arthur Lewis Professor of Development Economics in the Department of Economics at LSE. He is also a member of the National Infrastructure Commission. He is a Fellow of the Econometric Society and British Academy and a Foreign Honorary Member of the American Economic Association and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. His main research interests are in political economy and development.

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Modern economic thinking needs to reaffirm and engage with sound Hayekian ideas in this age of global interconnectedness, when the world is coming to grips with multitude of challenges, including global pandemic, climate change, social inequities and inequalities, and politico-media complex. This can only be achieved through fostering dialogue among stakeholders, which include researchers, policymakers, experts, and key decision-makers. The Hayek Programme in Economics and Liberal Political Economy at LSE provides a space where this dialogue can happen. This programme aims to contribute to the research and public debate suited to the demands of 21st Century.

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This public event is free and open to all. This event will be a hybrid event, with an in-person audience and an online audience. 

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For the online event: Registration for this event will open in the second half of December.

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