7pm (ET) / 01:00 Uhr, 10.04.2026 (MEZ)
Discussion at GHI Washington | Sven Beckert (Harvard University) and Diana Kim (Georgetown University)
Conventional stories about the rise of capitalism often begin with a familiar set of Western, Eurocentric narratives. In Capitalism: A Global History, however, historian Sven Beckert offers a sweeping reinterpretation, presenting capitalism as a dynamic and constantly evolving system shaped by global connections, conflicts, and transformations. In this conversation, Beckert will discuss the arguments of his new book and reflect on what it means to write the history of capitalism on a truly global scale, stressing the importance of thinking about capitalism on the broadest possible canvas while also reminding us why a historical perspective remains essential for understanding capitalism today. The book has already been widely praised for its scope and ambition. Historian Marcus Rediker, writing in The New York Times, described it as a work “of generational importance.”
Doors will open at 6:30 pm and will close promptly at 7:00 pm with the beginning of the event. The event will also be streamed online.
Register here to stream the lecture.