Capitalism – The History of a Global Revolution

How has capitalism managed, over the centuries, to develop such immense power and spread so widely across the globe that humanity, nature – indeed, the Earth itself as a habitable planet – have been driven to the brink of extinction?
Harvard historian Sven Beckert explores this question in his book *Capitalism: A History of a World Revolution*. Beckert breaks with Eurocentric narratives that claim the origins of the capitalist economy lie in early modern Europe. He demonstrates that capitalism already existed in various regions of the world 1,000 years ago and has always been a system of power characterised by exploitation, slavery and state violence.
This comprehensive picture painted by Beckert – covering the origins, expansion and logic of capitalism – enables us to rethink our future.
In this six-part reading seminar, we will discuss this mammoth work, which runs to around 1,000 pages, together.
As a basis for the discussions, we strongly recommend purchasing the book: Sven Beckert (2025): Kapitalismus. Geschichte einer Weltrevolution, Rowohlt, 1,280 pages. ISBN: 978-3-498-00591-7.

Six-part series, held every 14 days, starting on Tuesday, 8 September 2026, from 6.30 pm to 8.45 pm each session

Further information in the programme leaflet

Led by
Dr Dana Sindermann, Head of the Department of Economic and Social Ethics, Paulus Academy

Contribution towards costs
CHF 180.–/120.–* for the entire seminar
* for members of the Paulus Academy and FKSZ Friends’ Association, holders of a KulturLegi, AHV/IV card or student ID

As the sessions build on one another, the seminar can only be booked as a whole.

For organisational reasons, we ask that you register by 3 September 2026.