Capitalism and the Alibi of Growth. An Evening with Timothy Mitchell: Lecture and Book Signing

Capitalism and the Alibi of Growth

Both advocates for capitalism and its critics tend to agree that capitalism is defined by growth. But what is growth? How did we come to see it as the essential dynamic of the history of capital? Is there a better way to understand the history of this idea and to escape its hold on our imagination?

In this lecture, Timothy Mitchell will explore these questions through the themes of his latest book, The Alibi of Capital: How We Broke the Earth to Steal the Future on the Promise of a Better Tomorrow.

Timothy Mitchell is a political theorist specializing in the modern Arab world, the history of energy, and political economy of capitalism. He is Professor of Middle Eastern Studies at Columbia University and chair of the Department of Middle Eastern, South Asian and African Studies. His previous books include Carbon Democracy: Political Power in the Age of Oil (2011), Rule of Experts: Egypt, Techno-Politics, Modernity (2002), and Colonising Egypt (1991).

Following the lecture, attendees will have the opportunity to meet Professor Mitchell during a book signing. In partnership with Another Story Bookshop, copies of The Alibi of Capital will be available for purchase on-site, with an opportunity to have books personally signed by Professor Mitchell following the event.

This event is co-sponsored by the Department of Geography & Planning, University of Toronto, and forms part of the Department's Intersections Speakers Series.

Please note that venue details are subject to change. Registered attendees will be notified directly of any updates.