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Global political economy and trade policy

Economic globalisation is changing society at a very rapid pace and is deeply impacting people’s living conditions. So far, it has been dominated and shaped by powerful economic interests. The dominant model for the economic development of globalisation is neoliberalism. In this paradigm, economic and social problems can best be solved by free markets and their main actors, private companies. However, the neoliberal promise that globalisation will bring prosperity for all has not been kept. Large parts of the global population are still affected by growing inequality and poverty.

We develop strategies for such key topics as economic systems and trade policies as well as for the economic development of the underdeveloped regions of the world. Based on an examination of the role of international organisations such as the WTO, IMF, World Bank and UNCTAD we formulate requirements for action. We focus on the trade policies of the North, which attempts to defend its hegemonial position vis-à-vis the South. This section concentrates on the development of comprehensive positions for transformative processes, action strategies for international solidarity and left-wing responses to economic exploitation and crisis.

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For Lilia Nenescu, a feminist economy transcends the exploitative sexual and international division of labour. It’s about creating non-hierarchical, reciprocal relationships across genders, geographies, social classes, and with nature. She shared this ... read more "Interview with Lilia Nenescu at the RLS Summer School “Feminist Economy and Social Justice”"
Experienced housing activist and retired professor Enikő Vincze (Babeș-Bolyai University) giving a thought-provoking keynote on the pivotal role of housing in both state socialism and capitalism. She argues that a Marxist-feminist lens not only reveals how ... read more "Keynote speech by Enikő Vincze at RLS Summer School “Feminist Economy and Social Justice”"
Economist and feminist activist Amaia Perez Orozco (Colectiva XXK) delivered an inspiring keynote at our Summer School, making a compelling argument for the feminist subversion of the economy. When emancipatory feminist economics goes beyond theory to ... read more "Keynote speech by Amaia Perez Orozco at RLS Summer School “Feminist Economy and Social Justice”"
In her powerful keynote, economist Jayati Ghosh (University of Massachusetts Amherst) explores the critical role of unpaid labor in shaping markets and commercial activity. She highlights how the gendered division of labour and policies—tax, fiscal, and ... read more "Keynote speech by Jayati Ghosh at RLS Summer School “Feminist Economy and Social Justice”"
In a world in crisis, with the planet burning, it’s crucial to build economies that prioritise life and the needs of people and the planet, not just endless growth. For decades, feminist movements have been crafting alternative practices and critical ... read more "Opening Panel RLS Summer School “Feminist Economy and Social Justice – Redefining Paths”"
At our RLS Summer School “Feminist Economy and Social Justice – Redefining Paths,” we explored the current economic system, dissecting its flaws and failures. With inspiring speakers and passionate participants, we challenged the profit-driven, ... read more "INTRO VIDEO: RLS Summer School 2025 “Feminist Economy and Social Justice – Redefining Paths”"
Chris Neuffer, a passionate advocate for care work, capitalism, and power critique, brought queer, trans*, and decolonial perspectives to the RLS Summer School “Feminist Economy and Social Justice – Redefining Paths.” As part of Konzeptwerk Neue ... read more "Interview with Chris Neuffer at the RLS Summer School “Feminist Economy and Social Justice”"
Anna Řídká about the vital role trade unions can play in advancing feminist goals. At the RLS Summer School “Feminist Economy and Social Justice – Redefining Paths,” she highlighted how unions bridge the gap between paid labour and unpaid reproductive ... read more "Interview with Anna Řídká at the RLS Summer School “Feminist Economy and Social Justice”"