Sven Beckert is an esteemed historian, writer, and editor who has made significant contributions to our understanding of global capitalism through his research and publications. Born in Germany, Beckert received his Ph.D. in History from Columbia University in 1994 and began his academic career as a Professor of History at Harvard University in 1999 where he currently teaches.

Beckert’s scholarship focuses on the history of capitalism, labor, and globalization, particularly in the context of the United States and the Atlantic world. His first book, “The Monied Metropolis: New York City and the Consolidation of the American Bourgeoisie, 1850-1896,” examined the emergence of a capitalist economy in New York City during the Gilded Age. He then co-edited a volume on the global history of cotton, “Empire of Cotton: A Global History,” that traced the impact of the global trade in cotton on both industrialization and colonialism.

Beckert’s most significant contribution to the field of history came through his award-winning book, “Empire of Cotton: A Global History.” Through meticulous research and analysis, Beckert deconstructed the myth of cotton as a commodity that was created solely through western innovation and entrepreneurship. Instead, he demonstrated the deep-seated inequalities and violence that characterized the development of the industry for centuries. In recognition of his groundbreaking scholarship, Beckert was awarded the Bancroft Prize for “Empire of Cotton” in 2015.

In addition to his extensive research, Beckert is also a prolific writer and editor. He has published numerous articles in leading academic journals and edited several volumes on topics such as labor, globalization, and the history of capitalism. He also serves as a co-editor of the journal “International Labor and Working-Class History.”

As a leading scholar and an influential voice in the field of history, Sven Beckert continues to drive conversations about the global history of capitalism and its impact on contemporary society.