Claim the Future and Cybersalon present: TOWARDS A NEW GLOBAL MONETARY SYSTEM
Speakers
- Professor Radhika Desai, University of Manitoba
- Danisha Kazi, Positive Money
- Wessel van Rensburg, RAAK
Chair
- Dr Richard Barbrook, Cybersalon
Introduction
- John McDonnell MP
Monday 17th March – 7.00pm – 9.00pm
The exorbitant wealth and power of the American empire rests on a dollar-based monetary system, but these foundations appear more unstable than ever. The USA’s increased weaponisation of its currency and the spectre of a second Trump presidency have heightened the urgency of efforts to forge an alternative to the dollar system, particularly for an increasingly powerful Global South that seeks to assert control over its economic destiny.
Meanwhile technological innovation may provide a catalyst for transformation, with digital currencies and new payment systems offering ways to bypass the dollar and facilitate the shift to a more multipolar world.
Claim the Future and Cybersalon are hosting this meeting to discuss whether the dollar will be able to retain its primacy as geopolitical winds of change collide with technological transformation – and, if not, what could replace it? Is there an opportunity for a new global monetary system to support a more balanced, peaceful and prosperous world order?
Beyond Dollar Dominance: New money and payment systems for a multipolar world
Speaker Biographies
Radhika Desai is Professor of Political Studies, University of Manitoba, Canada. She writes across many fields including financialisation, the dollar system, and Multipolarity. She proposed geopolitical economy as a new approach to understanding the international relations of the capitalist world in her 2013 eponymous book. Her most recent book is Capitalism, Coronavirus and War: a geopolitical economy. She is Convenor of the International Manifesto Group and hosts the fortnightly programme, Geopolitical Economy Hour on the Geopolitical Economy Report website and You Tube.
Danisha Kazi is head of economics at Positive Money, a research and campaign group working towards a money and banking system that supports a fairer, more democratic and sustainable economy. She is lead author of Positive Money’s recent report, Beyond Dollar Dominance: New money and payment systems for a multipolar world. Danisha has a PhD in Economics from SOAS University, and previously worked as a Senior Teaching Fellow at SOAS lecturing in heterodox economics. Her research interests include macroeconomics, political economy of labour, the role of the state, and global racial capitalism.
Wessel van Rensburg is an advisor on public policy and business strategy, specializing in the intersection of digital technology, societal trends, and geopolitics. With a particular focus on the digital political economy, including fintech and CBDCs he blends analytical rigour with practical industry experience as digital product manager, founder of a digital agency and eCommerce start up. Born in South Africa, Wessel’s early career as a lawyer for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission shaped his enduring interest in justice, governance, and the resilience of nations. Completing his Masters in Hypermedia at the University of Westminster jumpstarted his technology career. Now based between London and The Hague, he is writing a book on the digital state.
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