Richard C. Holbrooke Lecture

Care and Capitalism

The future of capitalism and the future of care are two subjects debated by scholars, activists, and organizations in the United States today. These topics have rarely intersected, but according to Anne-Marie Slaughter, they should. She argues that the discussions of both care and capitalism each are based on only partial understandings of human nature. While economists and political scientists see individuals as self-interested and driven by competition, sociologists, anthropologists, and psychologists recognize the significance of human connection and fulfillment through care. By bringing these perspectives together, Slaughter encourages serious reflection upon how our societies, economies, and political systems should be structured. Her research reimagines a more holistic approach to human needs and desires, offering potential transformations for a more balanced and rewarding future.