We are rethinking the conditions for genuine, widespread, and sustainable prosperity.
The Berkeley Economy and Society Initiative forges collaborations across fields to reframe the study of political and economic life. Hard questions are our starting point.
Learn more about the Berkeley Economy and Society Initiative (BESI).
The Latest at BESI
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Camila Gramkow: ‘Public Investment for Climate and Social Goals: An Agenda for Brazil and Latin America’
Gramkow presents a Structuralist economic model that combines three dimensions of sustainable development.
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BESI Director Paul Pierson Joins KQED’s ‘Forum’ for Discussion on Billionaires in the White House
Are we now a ‘broligarchy’? A record 13 billionaires could end up serving in Trump’s administration.
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Marion Fourcade: ‘The Ordinal Society’
Technologies of information management transform how we relate to ourselves and to each other.
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Brian Judge: ‘Democracy in Default’
Since the 1980s, liberal democracies have turned to finance as a way to depoliticize distributive conflict.
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BESI Director Paul Pierson’s ‘Partisan Nation’ Featured in Opportunity Now
Berkeley Political Economy program director Steven Vogel was also invited to share a book recommendation.
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Designated Emphasis in Political Economy Student Co-Authors Paper in Leading Poli-Sci Journal
Lobo and Brutger’s collaboration began when Lobo enrolled in Brutger’s political science graduate course.
Events Hosted by BESI
February 6, 2025
12-1:30 p.m.
Social Science Matrix, 820 Social Sciences Building, UC Berkeley Join us as Jathan Sadowski outlines three key concepts that are crucial for a political economic analysis of AI and capitalism.Upcoming Events
A Ruthless Criticism of AI and Capitalism
Data Grab: The New Colonialism of Big Tech and How to Fight Back
February 25, 2025
12-1:30 p.m.
Social Science Matrix, 820 Social Sciences Building, UC Berkeley
Join Ulises A. Mejias and Nick Couldry for a talk on data colonialism and the new social order to which it gives shape.
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The Habitation Society: Creating Sustainable Prosperity
April 9, 2025
4-5:30 p.m.
Social Science Matrix, 820 Social Sciences Building, UC Berkeley
BESI invites you for a talk with Fred Block on his new book, “The Habitation Society.”
Read More >Designated
Emphasis (DE) in
Political Economy
BESI is proud to support the Designated Emphasis (DE) in Political Economy, through which doctoral students in various disciplines can expand their training in political economy and take classes across UC Berkeley departments.