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Reader in Political Economy & Political Science Director – Higher Degree Research Programs B.Econ, B.A. (Sociology), PhD 555 General Purpose North 3 (#39A) +61 7 3365 3103 +61 7 3365 1388 geoff.dow@uq.edu.au

Teaching Interests:

Background:

Geoff Dow’s research has been in the sub-discipline of political economy; it examines the limits and possibilities of politics in the contemporary world. (A key concern is whether the globalization of economic activity necessarily, or only contingently, diminishes political or state capacities in capitalist countries). The research is mainly comparative, starting from widespread empirical observations of the 1970s and 1980s that similar global processes (industrial restructuring, recession, financial sector influence over decision-making institutions) produced different economic outcomes (such as unemployment rates, inequalities and distributive conflicts) in different nations. It therefore contributes to a burgeoning institutionalist tradition in political economy which is not as pessimistic about ‘political possibilities’ and national autonomy as conventional political science has been. It investigates the extent to which ‘new political institutions’ can be imagined to deal with the problems of affluent countries (lack of investment, increasing inequality, loss of security, declining participation and the underdeveloped or erosion of social capital). It also contributes to critical theories of the state, a long-standing concern of both political science and political economy.

Selected Publications:

1. Dow, Geoff. 2008. ‘The institutional intractability of recession’ Journal of Australian Political Economy no.61, June, pp.1-22.
2. Dow, Geoff. 2008. ‘Keynes, Keynesianism and the possibilities of a post-Keynesian politics’ in Peter E Earl & Bruce Littleboy (eds) Regarding the past: proceedings of the 20^th conference of the History of Economic Thought Society of Australia. Brisbane: School of Economics, University of Queensland, pp.62-77.
3. Dow, Geoff. 2007. ‘Keynes and his battles’ (Review essay) Journal of Australian Political Economy no.60, December, pp.144-154.
4. Dow, Geoff. & Lafferty, George. 2007. ‘Decades of disillusion: re-appraising the ALP-ACTU Accord 1983-1996’ Australian Journal of Politics & History vol.53(4), pp.552-568.
5. Dow, Geoff. 2005. 'The great appropriation: political possibilities since 1974'. In A passion for politics: essays in honour of Graham Maddox, ed. T. Battin. Sydney: Pearson Longman.
6. Dow, Geoff and Winton Higgins. 2003. 'What have we done wrong? The responsibilities of the rich'. Australian Journal of Politics & History 49(3): 380-397.
7. Dow, Geoff. 2001. 'Societal responsibility for unemployment and its cure'. In Business, work & community: into the new millennium, eds. G. Dow and R. Parker. Melbourne: Oxford University Press.
8. Dow, Geoff. 2001. 'Schumpeter or Keynes? Reflections on economic transformation and state capacity' in Economic theory in the light of Schumpeter's scientific heritage: volume III, eds. S.B. Dahiya & V. Orati. Rohtak, India: Spellbound Publications.

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