Thinking with Neil Davidson: Neoliberalism, Activism & Bourgeois Revolution

We would like to invite you to join us on Wednesday 29th May to celebrate the life and work of our former colleague, the late Neil Davidson. This half-day event, beginning with a buffet lunch at 12 noon, will take the format of three panel sessions focusing on some of the key concerns central to Neil’s work. We are bringing together speakers to reflect on: the history and consequences of the bourgeois revolutions; conceptualisations and contestations of neoliberalism; and the modalities and practices of activism.

Neil was a distinguished historian, sociologist, activist, and most importantly a hugely valued colleague and friend. Neil’s legacy can be felt in many ways, including through the Neil Davidson Postdoctoral Writing Fellowship. Thanks to the incredible generosity of Neil’s partner, Cathy Watkins, the department has been able to provide six-month stipendiary support to four early career scholars since 2022, and recruitment is currently underway for a 2024 candidate. The publication of several posthumous works, including What Was Neoliberalism? Studies in the Most Recent Phase of Capitalism, 1973-2008 (published in 2023 by Haymarket), are testament to the enduring importance of Neil’s scholarship.

Due to the timing of Neil’s passing in May 2020, we were unable to hold an in-person commemoration of his life and work, so we hope that you can join us and celebrate Neil’s immense contribution on May 29th.

Further details, including speakers, will be published in due course.

Host or Publisher College of Social Sciences, University of Glasgow