Brian Roper

Biography

Associate Professor Roper’s research interests include: New Zealand politics; public policy; political economy; social inequality; gender and feminism; classical and contemporary Marxism; history and major theories of democracy. He has co-edited two books: State and Economy in New Zealand(1993) and The Political Economy of New Zealand (1997). His book Prosperity for All? Economic, Social and Political Change in New Zealand since 1935 was published in 2005. His second authored book is The History of Democracy, originally published by Pluto Press in 2013, with translated editions due to appear in China, Germany and Turkey. It is described by David McNally, Professor of Political Science at York University, as a “stunning and panoramic book”, which “sheds light on the theory and practice of democracy across the ages”. According to reviewers, The History of Democracy provides: "an excellent exploration of the history of democracy and the struggle to extend it" (Socialist Review (UK)); “an excellent text for anyone seeking to understand a socialist perspective on democracy, historically rooted, and then read on further” (London Socialist Historians Group); an “ambitious project of cutting-edge relevance for the Arab region and the world” (Jordan Times).  He has been a political activist for more than twenty years, and has been involved in a wide variety of progressive struggles and campaigns. 

Research Interest

 Associate Professor Roper’s research interests include: New Zealand politics; public policy; political economy; social inequality; gender and feminism; classical and contemporary Marxism; history and major theories of democracy.