First Conference on Albert Hirschman's Legacy: Theory & Practice

Faced with unfavourable political evolutions in many countries, the proposed “First Conference on Albert Hirschman Legacy”, organized by A Colorni Hirschman International Institute in collaboration with the Center for the Study of Europe (Boston University), represents a reaction to a dreadful tendency to dispersion that suddenly seemed overshadowing a remarkable stream of progressive ideas started in the Thirties and early Forties of last century (under dictatorship in Germany, Italy and France-Vichy), and then developed until recently in the US, Latin America and other continents by Albert Hirschman and his relatives and friends.

The aim of the Conference is certainly historical and theoretical – to understand better “what it is all about”. Hirschman’s legacy should not only be considered in isolation: it may be connected to the time and socio-political conditions in which it developed, and with the contribution of the people around him. Moreover, it is recognized by a young generation who is attracted by those ideas vis-à-vis current predicaments.

The conference will discuss the relevance of Hirschman’s Legacy for the contemporary world, asking its participants to feel free thinking (and walking) according to those “liberal” footsteps. That is: observing various initiatives inspired by Albert Hirschman around the world – in thinking, teaching, acting in the society, in political activities etc.: learning from them, and looking for humane, “possibilist” and successful solutions.

The Conference is organized by A Colorni Hirschman Institute in collaboration with Prof. Liah Greenfeld and co-sponsored by the Center for the Study of Europe, the Latin American Studies Program, and the Consulate of Italy in Boston. Registration is limited. We invite people interested participating to contact the organizers at info@colornihirschman.org. More information can be found at http://www.bu.edu/european/hirschman.