Quinn Slobodian

Quinn Slobodian is a historian and professor at Wellesley College, specializing in modern global history with a focus on international economic orders, neoliberalism, and globalization. His work examines how intellectuals and policymakers have shaped the global economic system, particularly during the 20th century. Slobodian's most influential book, "Globalists: The End of Empire and the Birth of Neoliberalism" (2018), traces the origins of neoliberal thought and its relationship to global economic governance. The book received widespread attention for its analysis of how neoliberal thinkers responded to decolonization and sought to create new frameworks for protecting capital across borders. His research has contributed significantly to understanding the intellectual history of neoliberalism, particularly through examining the Geneva School of neoliberalism and its influence on international institutions. Slobodian's work regularly appears in academic journals and publications such as The Guardian, The Nation, and Dissent. He has also written extensively about the history of student movements, Eastern European intellectual history, and the relationship between economic thought and world order. His current research focuses on the rise of alter-globalization movements and alternative economic models.

Readers praise Slobodian's detailed research and ability to trace complex economic ideas through history. On Goodreads and academic forums, readers highlight his clear explanation of how neoliberal thinkers shaped global institutions. What readers liked: - Clear writing style that makes dense economic concepts accessible - Deep archival research and documentation - Fresh perspective on neoliberalism's origins - Connections between historical events and current economic systems What readers disliked: - Dense academic prose in some sections - Heavy focus on European/Western perspectives - Some readers wanted more discussion of alternative economic models - Limited coverage of Global South perspectives Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (300+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (90+ ratings) A common reader observation is that "Globalists" helps explain how international economic institutions gained their current form. Academic readers note its contribution to understanding neoliberalism's intellectual foundations, while general readers appreciate learning the historical context of modern economic debates.

Globalists: The End of Empire and the Birth of Neoliberalism (2018) Examines how neoliberal thinkers responded to the end of colonial empires by creating new international institutions to protect capital from democratic demands.

Crack-Up Capitalism: Market Radicals and the Dream of a World Without Democracy (2023) Analyzes various attempts by market fundamentalists to create autonomous zones, seasteads, and other spaces beyond state control.

Countering Democracy: The Political Economy of the Prague Spring (2012) Details how Western European observers interpreted and responded to Czechoslovakia's 1968 market reforms.

Nine Lives of Neoliberalism (2020, co-edited with Dieter Plehwe and Philip Mirowski) Collection of essays examining lesser-known aspects of neoliberal thought and its global influence across different domains.

Comrades of Color: East Germany in the Cold War World (2015, edited) Anthology exploring East Germany's relationships with the Global South during the Cold War period.

Karl Polanyi writes about the rise of market economies and their relationship to society, focusing on how free markets were constructed through state intervention. His work "The Great Transformation" examines similar themes to Slobodian's analysis of neoliberalism and global economic order.

Philip Mirowski analyzes the history of neoliberal thought and its influence on economic institutions. His research covers the Mont Pelerin Society and the development of market-driven policies that Slobodian also examines.

Timothy Mitchell explores colonialism, economics, and political power with emphasis on how technical expertise shapes governance. His work on "economentality" connects with Slobodian's interest in how economic ideas influence global politics.

Susan Strange studies international political economy and the relationship between states and markets. Her analysis of financial systems and global economic structures parallels Slobodian's examination of international economic order.

Michel Foucault examines governance, power structures, and the development of liberal economic thought. His lectures on neoliberalism and biopolitics cover intellectual territory that intersects with Slobodian's work on global economic governance.