Remembering James C. Scott

James C Scott, professor of political science, anthropology and environmental studies, founder of the Agrarian Studies program at Yale University, small-'a' anarchist and sheep farmer, passed away at his farm on July 19, aged 87.

Jim was a teacher, mentor, colleague and friend to many of us. Generous with his time and thoughtful in his advice, he inspired generations of political and social scientists who were seeking different terms on which to conduct their inquiries than those set by the academic orthodoxy. His books, from The Moral Economy of the Peasant to In Praise of Floods, will be read for decades to come.

Let’s remember Jim by gathering for conversation, food, drink and celebration of a life well spent. If you were a student, mentee, colleague or friend, come along to this informal gathering and recount a story or two. If you’ve been moved by his work to think and write differently than you would have been otherwise, join us to admire his spirit of resistance, and appreciate his legacy.

This event is jointly hosted by the Department of Political and Social Change, and the Myanmar Research Centre, ANU College of Asia and the Pacific; and, the Interpretation, Method and Critique network, ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences.