Duncan Green, Oxfam Strategic Adviser and LSE Professor of Practice in International Development, introduces the arguments of his new book, How Change Happens (OUP, October 2016).

How Change Happens explores how political and social change takes place, and the role of individuals and organizations in influencing that change. He discusses the challenges that 'systems thinking' creates for traditional aid practices, and how a 'power and systems approach' requires activists, whether in campaigns, companies or governments, to fundamentally rethink the way they understand the world and try to influence it. 

Praise for How Change Happens:

• "A splendid treatise on how to change the actual world - in reality, not just in our dreams" - Amartya Sen
• "An indispensable guide for activists and change-makers everywhere" - Francis Fukuyama
• "A landmark, a must-read book to return to again and again to inform and inspire reflection and action. I know no other book like it." - Robert Chambers
• "Ranging widely from Lake Titicaca in Peru to rural Tajikistan, from shanty towns to the halls of power, this is a book sprinkled with wisdom and insight on every page." - Dani Rodrik
• "Those who are purely interested in understanding better how societies change will find a treasure trove of theoretical insights and empirical evidence. Those who want to change the world through formal politics will learn a lot. Civil servants who want to make things better for citizens, or business leaders who want to do more than simply maximise profits will also find plenty of lessons." - Ha-Joon Chang (from the foreword)

The lecture is now full but you can watch it live on the Blavatnik School of Government YouTube channel.

This event is co-hosted by the Blavatnik School of Government and the Global Economic Governance Programme.