The Robert L. Heilbroner Center for Capitalism Studies
The Robert L. Heilbroner Center for Capitalism Studies is a hub for interdisciplinary scholarship and applied research on issues relating to contemporary forms of capitalism.
The Center promotes collaborative work between academic disciplines and exchanges between scholars and practitioners. We support public events, working groups, graduate and undergraduate courses, and student and faculty research. We also sponsor annual Visiting Professorships for scholars outside The New School community.
The Center seeks to develop a common language through which the forms and processes of capitalism can be understood, analyzed, reformulated, and reformed — with rigor, with precision, and in a manner that is accessible to the broadest possible audience.
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RECALIBRATING ECONOMIC RELATIONS AMONG CHINA, INDIA AND THE US
The Robert L. Heilbroner Center for Capitalism Studies and the India China Institute invite you to a conference exploring the future of economic relations among three of the world’s major powers: China, India, and the United States. At a time of heightened geopolitical tensions, trade restrictions, and technological competition, how can these countries move beyond nationalist-driven conflicts toward greater cooperation and shared prosperity? Bringing together leading scholars, the conference will examine the changing geography of global trade and finance, structural barriers to economic realignment, and the challenges of economic development and social insecurity.
Conference Programme
2:00–3:15 PM | New Geographies of Trade and Finance
Featuring Khalid Nadvi, John Loomis, Ho-fung Hung, and Margaret Pearson.
Moderator: Mark Frazier | Discussant: Ying Chen
3:30–4:45 PM | Structural Barriers to Realignment
Featuring Dev Nathan, Rahul S., Ka Zeng, Jan Kregel, William Milberg, and Tamim Akiki.
Moderator: Margaret Pearson | Discussant: Kyle Chan
5:00–6:00 PM | Economic Development and Social Insecurity
Featuring Rina Agarwala and Mark Frazier.
Moderator: William Milberg | Discussant: Manjari Mahajan
Register and view full event details here
EXPLORING CAPITALISM – FALL 2026 SERIES
Recalibrating Economics Relations Among China, India and the US
Thursday, October 29, 2:00–6:30 PM
Wolff Conference Room
👉 Register and view full event details here
Bounce: Six Balls, Six Sports and the History of Globalization
William Milberg (The New School) with Thomas Liess (Heilbroner Center for Capitalism Studies)
Thursday, November 19, 4:00–6:00 PM
Hirshon Suite
👉 Register and view full event details here
Facism, Populism, and Red Pill Politics: Or Why So Many Workers Turn from Left to Right
David Ost
Thusday, December 3, 3:00–4:30 PM
Wolff Conference Room
👉 Register and view full event details here
Meet our new cohort of research assistants and fellows for 2026-2027
𝐀 GLIMPSE INSIDE OUR WORKING GROUP: SHORT CONVERSATIONS ON CHINA, INDIA, AND THE UNITED STATES
In February, we convened our Working Group on China, India, and the United States at The New School to advance a series of research papers examining the evolving relationship between economic security and geopolitical tensions among the world’s three largest economies. During the convening, we recorded a series of short conversations with contributors—quick reflections on the questions driving their research and why these issues matter for the global political economy today. Over the coming weeks, we will be releasing these interviews on a weekly basis. Find the first ones on our YouTube channel.
UPDATE FROM OUR RESEARCH PROGRAM: TOWARDS A NEW DEMOCRATIC POLITICAL ECONOMY CONVENING IN MONTREAL, CANADA
Between April 17 and April 19, we convened the contributors to our 𝘛𝘰𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘴 𝘢 𝘕𝘦𝘸 𝘋𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘗𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘌𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘰𝘮𝘺 project in Montréal, Canada. The initiative – supported by the Open Society Foundations – brings together scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to rethink the relationship between capitalism and democracy in the twenty-first century.
The project is organized around three interconnected areas: theory, policy, and the policy process. It examines the conceptual foundations of political economy and the relationship between markets, states, and democracy; develops concrete policy proposals to address challenges such as inequality, industrial policy, financialization, and the climate transition; and studies how new ideas actually move into the policy arena through institutions, governments, think tanks, and transnational networks.
The Montréal convening gave contributors the opportunity to present draft papers, exchange across these streams, and refine the broader research agenda. One of the most productive aspects of the discussions was the interaction between theory and practice: theoretical frameworks informed policy proposals, while real-world policy experiences helped sharpen the questions theory needs to address. More to come as the project continues to develop…
INTRODUCING THE HEILBRONER CENTER FOR CAPITALISM STUDIES 2026
Widespread interest in the future of capitalism and its implications for democracy and global politics have brought an exciting group of scholars to the Heilbroner Center for Capitalism Studies, from senior scholars to graduate student fellows and research assistants.
To learn more about the scholars featured here, we invite you to explore the “People” tab or the pages dedicated to our various “Research Projects“, where you will find short bios highlighting their backgrounds, research interests, and current work.
We are proud of the community we are creating and pleased to introduce you to the expansive world of capitalism studies based at The New School. It is going to be an exciting and productive year at the Heilbroner Center.
Launch of Two New Research Programs
The Heilbroner Center for Capitalism Studies is launching two major research initiatives for the 2025–26 academic year:
- Towards a New Democratic Political Economy (see webpage)
- U.S.–China–India Economic Relations (see webpage)
These programs reflect our commitment to advancing critical scholarship on the structures and dynamics of capitalism in a rapidly changing global context. Each initiative will convene faculty, graduate students, and international collaborators to generate new research. Full details can be found in the press releases linked below:
Research projects >>>
People
