Redefining Ideas in Economics and Politics: From Debate to Publication

In October 2024, Abdullah Yusuf, Carlo Morelli, and Omar Feraboli from the School of Business hosted the Redefining Paradigms conference at the University of Dundee. People joined in person and online to explore problems in economics, politics, and international relations.

This event wasn’t just about academic debates, it focused on how these subjects that are taught at universities—how students learn them, how ideas are shaped in classrooms, and how some ways of thinking are supported more than others.

Speakers came from across Scotland, the UK, and beyond. What made the event special was its focus on teaching as something shared and open to change—not just something to be delivered.

Students were central to the event, they presented their own research, challenged traditional views, and spoke honestly about how economics is often taught without connecting to real-life issues. The Post-Crash Economics project believes students are not just learning but also helping shape the conversation. This conference showed that belief in action.

So far, the project has led to four conferences, two books (published in 2018 and 2023), and articles in The Herald Scotland and Palgrave Macmillan’s campaign on academic excellence.

It also helped create a UK-wide network of economists and led to staff invitations to speak at Aberdeen and Queen Mary University of London.

One big outcome from the 2024 conference is a new book project. In April 2025, the organisers signed a deal with Palgrave Macmillan to publish two books in 2026. These books will include about 20 chapters and aim to make a lasting impact on how we understand and teach economics and politics.