Forthcoming Events
Vinson Centre Seminar Series – Dr Victor Codeceira
Electoral Competition and Economic Development: Evidence from Pakistan
In recent years, many commentators have challenged the idea that democratic institutions are more conducive to economic growth and development. In this paper, we contribute to the literature by studying the impact of electoral competition on economic development in Pakistan from 1992 to 2018. Using data on electoral competition provided by the Election Commission of Pakistan and data on local economic development proxied by nighttime light data, our findings suggest that electoral competition improves economic growth and the provision of public goods. Baseline estimates show an increase in nighttime light intensity of around 9–11% in electorally competitive constituencies compared with non-competitive constituencies, corresponding to an increase in local GDP of around 2.7–3.4%.
Join us to hear more from Dr Codeceira on this topic, with the opportunity for discussion.
Authors: Akseer Hussain (York) and Victor Codeceira (Buckingham)
Date: 15 May 2026
Time: 13:00 – 14:30
Venue: Enterprise Hub (First Floor), Vinson Building, The University of Buckingham
Vinson Centre Seminar Series – Dr Victoria Bateman
Free markets, Free enterprise & Free women: A New Economic History of the World
Date: Monday 18 May, 2026
Time: 16:00 – 18:00
Venue: Enterprise Hub (First Floor), Vinson Building, The University of Buckingham
Leftist global histories tell the same story when it comes to women. They present us with a happy world in which women were revered and rewarded by their communities until the advent of capitalism ended this utopia. From Friedrich Engels to Silvia Federici, we are told that growing commercialisation left women exploited, vulnerable and penniless. The notion that free markets and free enterprise have only ever created opportunities for men is one of the most fundamental strings in the anti-capitalist bow, one that is frequently used in attempts to sway women towards socialism. After all, why would you support a system if it doesn’t give you the same opportunities as your male peers? In her latest book Economica: A Global History of Women, Wealth & Power, Victoria Bateman presents a fresh economic history of the world that challenges Marxist interpretations of the past, champions individual freedom and shines the light on female entrepreneurship and wealth creation.
Register here
Public Policy Bootcamp
The Public Policy Bootcamp is an annual, 2.5-day residential programme that brings together early-career professionals working in public policy for an intensive, practical deep-dive into contemporary policy challenges. Dive into global trade, fiscal & monetary policy, public health, national security and climate from a classical-liberal perspective.
Date: 3-5th of June 2026
Venue: Vinson Building Auditorium, University of Buckingham. Buckingham.
Vinson Centre Classical Political Economy Conference
We are excited to be holding the Vinson Centre 2026 Classical Political Economy Conference, in collaboration with the Centre for the Study of Governance and Society (King’s College London) on Friday 26 June 2026, and have once again invited academics from the UK and abroad to discuss key topics in Classical Political Economy.
We have eminent speakers presenting in sessions on the following topics:
- The Legacy of the Chicago School of Economics
- Market Regulation
- On Friedman and the Quantity Theory of Money tradition
- Education and Human Capital
Finishing with a discussion between two esteemed academics on:
- The methodology of Economics and of Political Economy
IES Europe & Liberty at Camp Vinson – an induction to Classical Liberalism
For this year’s Camp Vinson, the Vinson Centre, IEA and Institute of International Monetary Research are this year partnering with IES – Europe to offer this residential programme at the Vinson Centre, University of Buckingham. The programme, targeted at undergraduates with an interest in classical liberalism, includes a series of lectures, seminars, debates, discussions, and social activities.
Aimed at: Undergraduate Students with an interest in classical liberalism.
Venue: Enterprise Hub, University of Buckingham.
Dates: 27 July – 31 July 2026
Register here