The School of Government invites participation in a seminar launching a book on:
Neoliberalism, Democratic Erosion and the Global Struggle for Social Justice edited by Chris Tapscott and Tor Halvorsen
Date: 26 February 2026
Time: 2 pm
Venue: Room 1F, School of Government
Neoliberalism, Democratic Erosion and the Global Struggle for Social Justice examine the growing tension between neoliberal capitalism and democratic governance. Bringing together leading scholars, the book argues that neoliberalism is not an inevitable endpoint but a constructed ideology that constrains democracy through technocratic, judicial, and digital forms of power. By tracing the transformation of the state from social regulator to market broker, the contributors show how financialisation, inequality, and “techno-feudalism” have deepened democratic erosion – while also identifying emerging openings for democratic renewal in an era of global instability.
Book Launch Seminar Agenda
Opening and Welcome
Nico Schutte, Director, School of Government (5 minutes)
Introduction to African Minds
Francois Van Schalkwyk (5 minutes)
Introduction to a Debate: Neoliberalism and authoritarianism: A double threat to democracy
Chris Tapscott & Tor Halvorsen (10 minutes)
Respondent: Terry Bell
Marketisation and competition in the Norwegian school system.
Katherina Sass and Sarah-Kristin Aga (7 minutes)
Respondent: Lize Rakner
The rise of authoritarian populism in the global North and South.
Martin Kronauer and Alf Gunvald Nilsen (7 minutes each – 14 minutes)
Respondent: Ari Sita
Labour, labour unions and student movements: The foundations of democratic struggle.
Ole Johnny Olsen and John Higgins (7 minutes each – 14 minutes)
Respondent: Terry Bell
The empire’s attack on the UN and global solidarity: Will the UN and its advancement of the SDGs survive? (7 minutes)
Tom Skauge
Respondent: Lize Rakner
15:15 Coffee Break 15 minutes
Respondents
Terry Bell, Lise Rakner, Ari Sitas (7 minutes each – 21 minutes)
Discussion
Directions to the School of Government: Entering from Robert Sobukwe Road, the School of Government is Number 24 on the map, the first building on the right at the T junction.
