Inaugral Lecture: "Swallow flying south": capital, democracy, and the making of the Global South
Economists and political scientists often argue that democracy can lead to positive economic outcomes. However, the demands of global capital are not always compatible with democratic sovereignty. This lecture explores the historical intersection of financial globalisation and political development, focusing on the late 19th century - a period marked by an unprecedented surge in capital flows alongside the uneven spread of democratic institutions in what is now termed the Global South. The talk reflects on how London investors assessed nations’ creditworthiness through the lens of governance, conflating perceptions of fiscal prudence, capacity for self-rule, and "national character".
All welcome-this event is free to attend but booking is required.
This page was last updated on 8 October 2024
