Programme of the 17th WAPE Forum

The 17th Forum of the World Association for Political Economy (WAPE) will take place from August 2-4, 2024, at Panteion University. The event is co-organized by the Political Economy Research Society (GAPE) and Panteion University. Its central theme is "Political Economy versus Economics in a Turbulent and Multipolar World," focusing on the long-standing conflict between two main traditions in economic analysis: political economy (which offers a social and historical understanding of the economy, linking it to social and political factors and class struggle) and economics (which maintains an individualistic, non-social conception of the economy).

Mainstream economics (Neoclassical and Keynesian) systematically fails to understand the modern world, particularly the increasingly frequent economic crises, and limits itself to the embellishment of the capitalist system. These shortcomings become more apparent as the 21st century ushers in a period of global political and economic turbulence and conflict. Nevertheless, mainstream economics continues to dominate academia and policy-making centers, especially in the West. The shift from Neoliberalism to the currently dominant New Keynesianism does not signal a change of perspective. However, there is growing unrest in both academia and society with this failed approach. The 17th WAPE Forum aims to highlight this discontent.

In addition to the parallel sessions, the plenary sessions of the forum will be held in the amphitheatre Karagiorgas 2 from 18:00 to 20:00. The first plenary session on August 2 will include welcoming remarks and award ceremonies. The second plenary session on August 3 is dedicated to the contribution of V.I. Lenin to Political Economy. The third and final plenary session on August 4 will close the forum.

Attached you will find the programme of the Conference.