Critical Theory and Global Capitalism

This research cluster revives the tradition of Critical Theory to address the social, cultural, and literary forms of an era of global capitalism. By Critical Theory we mean primarily early and mid-twentieth century intellectuals loosely connected to first-generation Frankfurt School.

We also refer to later and contemporary writers and critics who, from a historical materialist viewpoint, draw on that tradition to explore current social realities and literary forms.

Critical Theory is urgently needed today as a vital resource to understand the historical origins of cultural, political, and literary forms.

This rich tradition of thought produced illuminating insights on a wide range of topics including:

  • the rise of the far right
  • the experience of the refugee
  • the relationship between art and technology
  • the meaning of allegory and of realism
  • the complexities of memory
  • the significance of modernist art and literature.

This also produced insights on the commodity and the experience of urban environments.

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Programme Spring/Summer 2026

Theory Research Seminar

  • 24 March: Professor Ana Cecilia Dinerstein (University of Bath UK)
  • TBC June: Professor Eduardo Cadava (Princeton University USA)

Theory Workshop (Reading Group)

Tuesdays at 1.30pm

  • 10 February: Max Horkheimer “Traditional and Critical Theory”
  • 24 February: Theodor Adorno "The Actuality of Philosophy"
  • 10 March: Leo Lowenthal and Norbert Guterman Prophets of Deceit. A study of the techniques of the American agitator.

Please note:
Our podcast, the Theory Bistro, will soon be available on Spotify and Apple (with Dr David Tyrer and Dr Filippo Menozzi).

Cluster convenors

Liverpool Theory Collective