How to avert a tragedy of the commons: Global governance and the environment

Abstract: The international institutions created during the Bretton Woods era could exclude those who failed to accept rules for trade and finance. Indeed, that was one rationale during the Cold War. By contrast, no one can be excluded from the environment and escape from the impact of climate change. International institutions now face new and greater challenges - how to prevent free-riders from causing a tragedy of the commons, how to enforce rules, and how to ensure distributive justice. What are chances of success?

Martin Daunton, Professor Emeritus of Economic History at the University of Cambridge, is an author, historian and lecturer. He is a former president of the Royal Historical Society and author of The Economic Government of the World From 1933-2023. His interests include the economic history of Britain since 1700, the shifting boundaries between the market and state, the politics of public finance, the relations between national and international economic policies, and debates over intergenerational equity. He has published and lectured widely on these areas, and is particularly concerned to engage with policy makers and practitioners with an interest in the historical background to current issues.

Moderation: Véronique Dimier, Université libre de Bruxelles
Registration required by March 7: https://forms.office.com/e/eB7rfcfre0

Monday, March 10th, 2025, from 12:00 to 2:00 pm
REPI - Université libre de Bruxelles
Campus du Solbosch – REPI RT39 Geremek Room
39 Avenue Franklin Roosevelt
1050 Bruxelles