Decolonizing Money and Finance

Widely seen as a turning point for decolonization, World War II also marked a new phase in international finance, as the dollar increasingly clearly displaced sterling. This workshop gives young academics an opportunity to meet in Cairo on Decembre 13th and 14th 2023, to explore relatively understudied colonial monetary systems, institutions and finance. Centering money and monetary institutions in discussions of economic and social dynamics in the Global South, this call for papers is for young academics interested in unpacking the decolonial turn in finance and money.

The YSI Economic History, Africa and History of Economic Thought Working Groups are calling for a two-day workshop aimed at delving into the transformation of retreating empires and the rise of newly emerging nation-states within a post-war financial infrastructure emblematized by the U.S.-led Bretton Woods institutions and the Marshall Plan. This workshop provides an opportunity to reflect on the historical experience of the Global South from diverse perspectives, regional, national and global, and to assess the current position of these economies in the world economy. The event will be hosted in Cairo by the Centre d’Etudes et de Documentation Economiques, Juridiques et sociales – Cedej.

While economic history has been biased toward European and American economic history, this workshop focuses on African, South America, Turkish and South Asian economic history. We encourage young scholars from various backgrounds and nationalities to submit papers on topics related but not limited to:

• Colonial monetary relationships
• Historical financial infrastructure
• Post-War institutions and Empire
• Colonial vs. State Money
• Decolonization, neo-colonization, dependence

The two day workshop offers an opportunity for early career researchers in the Global South to engage with mentors from the alumni of the YSI community and other senior economic historians to explore further the debate on decolonising money.

To apply, please submit a short CV as well as a long abstract of 500 words by no later than August 30th to decolonisingmoney@gmail.com.
Your abstract should detail your research question, the motivation of your research project, as well as the methodology and preliminary results.

Note that we only accept unpublished papers. Lodging will be paid in Cairo for everyone and some limited travel support will be available. Please indicate in your application whether you would like to apply for travel support.

For more information contact any of the organizers.