Announcing the 2026 Ellen Meiksins Wood Lecture
The Faculty of Arts recently returned from Ottawa after a powerful showing at this year’s Progress Summit (external link) . Hosted by the Broadbent Institute (external link) from March 4–6, the summit gathered policy makers, academics, and organizers under the timely theme, Defending Democracy Across Borders.
The summit served as a vibrant hub for workshops and keynote discussions centred on the rising global challenges to democratic institutions. For TMU attendees, it was an opportunity to engage in high-level networking and contribute to the national dialogue on social and economic justice.
Dean Amy Peng also took the stage to officially announce the recipient of the 2026 Ellen Meiksins Wood Prize (external link) and invite the community to the upcoming keynote lecture (external link) .
Celebrating Intellectual Leadership: Bhaskar Sunkara
This year’s Ellen Meiksins Wood Prize is awarded to Bhaskar Sunkara. As the founding editor of Jacobin (external link) magazine and the publisher of Catalyst: A Journal of Theory and Strategy (external link) , Sunkara has been a transformative figure in modern political discourse. His work has transcended the page to influence real-world outcomes, notably laying the intellectual foundations for the movement behind Zohran Mamdani’s historic campaign for Mayor of New York City.
The Ellen Meiksins Wood Prize honors those who carry on the legacy of its namesake—a renowned political theorist known for her rigorous defense of democracy and social justice. Sunkara’s career embodies this spirit, bridging the gap between complex political theory and popular mobilization.
Ellen Meiksins Wood Lecture
The TMU community and the public are invited to attend the 2026 Ellen Meiksins Wood Lecture on Wednesday, April 22, at the Sears Atrium. This evening promises a deep dive into the strategies required to sustain progressive movements in an era of global volatility.
Ellen Meiksins Wood Lecture (external link)
- Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2026
- Location: The Sears Atrium
- Tickets: Early bird pricing is available until March 31
To learn more about the Ellen Meiksins Wood Lecture, visit the Broadbent Institute website (external link) . Register for the lecture here (external link) . We look forward to seeing you there for an evening of critical reflection and community building.