Agents of Change: Academics and the Spirit of Debate at International Conferences

Abstract

‘Agents of Change', while a flattering moniker for most individuals, carries with it a set of challenges and responsibilities that acted as catalysts over the course of this journal's inaugural Cambridge conference. This article aims to digest and evaluate some of the ideas that emerged over the course of the two days while also, hopefully, adding to the debate on agency.1 While beginning this paper with effusive compliments may appear clichéd, this conference unfolded in the best tradition of academic fora, generous in disagreement and debate, while rigorous in critique. As such, the organising committee in bringing together an excellent cohort of speakers and audience alike ensured everyone left Cambridge more enlightened than they arrived, and are owed due recognition. It was an honour to be asked to conclude the conference, albeit as the programme proceeded, the task of closing became ever more daunting. This intimidation emerged not only from the high quality of the discussion, but also the character in which it was conducted. Thus, this article reticently attempts to bring some of the character of that conference to this special edition of the journal.