Bas Van Bavel

About the Author

Bas Van Bavel is a distinguished historian and professor of economic and social history at Utrecht University, where he has spent decades unraveling the intricate dynamics of market economies across centuries. His groundbreaking research challenges conventional narratives by demonstrating how markets have not only flourished but also faltered under the weight of social, political, and institutional forces. Drawing from an impressive array of historical sources spanning from the early Middle Ages to the modern era, Van Bavel's work illuminates the cyclical nature of economic prosperity and decline, offering profound insights into why some societies harnessed the 'invisible hand' of the market while others succumbed to its perils. A prolific scholar, he bridges disciplines to explore themes of inequality, urbanization, and institutional evolution, making complex historical processes accessible and relevant to contemporary debates on globalization and economic policy.