A symposium on the impact of commodity markets on global economics and the evolution of capitalism

Hosted by the King Center on Global Development, this symposium examines the role of commodity markets in advancing global economic systems, facilitating trade, and creating wealth. Featuring presentations from guest scholars, discussions led by Stanford faculty, graduate workshops, and a keynote lecture, we will explore how various commodity markets—such as cotton, sugar, coffee, and milk—have shaped modern economic growth, highlighting both their benefits and drawbacks.

Scholars will present research across diverse commodities, time periods, and regions. In addition to historical contributions, discussions will address the pressing challenges posed by commodities, including environmental degradation, inequalities, forced labor, and social oppression. Our panel will examine the dynamics of commodity markets, offering concrete insights into their impact on contemporary economic structures, global trade practices, and socio-environmental relations.

This symposium is also supported by the Department of History, the Program in History and Philosophy of Science and Technology, the Cuba Observatory, and the Department of African and African AmericanStudies.

Organizers: Christian Robles-Baez and Narusa Yamato

Faculty Sponsors: Destin Jenkins, Gavin Wright, Mikael Wolfe, and Zephyr Frank

Register here 

Schedule:

9:00-9:15 AM: Welcoming Remarks by Professor Paula Findlen (Stanford)
9:15-11:00 AM: Panel 1
Ariel Ron (SMU) “King Hay Dethrones King Cotton”: Aspects of a Dual-Use Commodity

Gregory Cushman (University of Arizona)  The Long Great Acceleration, circa 1700 to 1980 (Can the Anthropocene Concept Be Saved?)
Discussant: Nora Barakat (Stanford)

11:00-11:15 AM: Coffee and Tea Break

11:15 AM-1:00 PM: Panel 2
Narusa Yamato (Stanford) Replacing Swords with Plows and Cows: Samurai, Soil, and Scientific Agriculture in Late Nineteenth Century Japan

Christian Robles-Baez (Stanford) Paving the Way for the Coffee Boom: Pre-Railway Transport Developments in Early Nineteenth Century Brazil
Discussant: Pedro Regalado (Stanford)

2:00-3:45 PM: Panel 3
Caitlin Rosenthal (UC Berkeley) Capitalism when Labor was Capital: Antebellum American Slavery

Alan Dye (Columbia University) Where Are All the Yankees? Imperialism and Entrepreneurship in Cuban Sugar, 1898-1921
Discussant: Gavin Wright (Stanford)

3:45-4:15 PM: Coffee and Tea Break

4:15-5:00 PM: Keynote Lecture 

Julia Sarreal (Arizona State University) Superfoods, Carbonated Sodas, and Soft Drugs: Exotic Commodities & Perceived Health Benefits