One of the most important social scientists of our times, Immanuel Wallerstein, visits Helsinki. On 5 March 2008 Wallerstein will lecture on the prospects of the capitalist world-system. Wallerstein’s lecture is a part of a larger event, in which contemporary capitalism and conditions for democratic futures are debated.
Wallerstein has characterised as 1968 as the year of the world revolution.
To mark the 40th anniversary of that process, the event takes place at Vanha ylioppilastalo (the old student union house, street address Mannerheimintie 3, Helsinki), which was one of the key scenes of the events of 1968 in Finland.
Various other distinguished social scientists from different parts of the world participate in the event, including Ruth Reitan, author of Global Activism, and Peter Waterman, author of Globalisation, Social Movements and the New Internationalisms. Apart from their academic careers, Reitan, Wallerstein and Waterman have also been active in the World Social Forum process.
The schedule for the day is as follows:
10-12am Wallerstein’s lecture: "The chaotic state of the world-system"
1-3pm Panel discussion. Participants: Immanuel Wallerstein, Ruth Reitan, Peter Waterman, Rodrigo Nunes. Chair: Teivo Teivainen.
3-5pm Workshops.
a) Work. Discussants Peter Waterman and two discussants to be announced later. Chair: Ruurik Holm.
b) Growth. Discussants Olli Tammilehto and Teivo Teivainen. Chair: Lauri Holappa.
c) Human. Discussants Ruth Reitan, Rodrigo Nunes, Emilia Palonen and Olli-Pekka Moisio. Chair: Teppo Eskelinen
The event is in English and free of charge.
The event is followed by a "world-political rock party", taking place at bar Dubrovnik (Eerikinkatu 11), starting at 8pm. The programme includes speeches and bands "Unabomber" and "Länsimaiden perikato". Tickets to the rock party cost 5e/7e.
The event is organised by a group of organizations that include Left Forum, University of Helsinki Branch of Attac, NIGD, KSL Civic Association for Adult Learning, Finnish Construction Trade Union, Le monde diplomatique (Finland), Demokratiafoorumi VK and Political Science Department of the University of Helsinki.
For further information, please contact:
Teppo Eskelinen, , +358 50 357 65 87
