On September 19, 2021, Professor Richard Lachmann, a regular columnist and participant in the discussions of the Valdai Club, passed away. The Valdai Club expresses its condolences to the family and friends of this distinctive and outstanding scholar.
A renowned American sociologist and specialist in the theory of elites and comparative historical sociology, he taught at the Department of Sociology at the University of Albany. Richard Lachmann authored several books, the most famous of which is Capitalists in Spite of Themselves. This work has received a number of awards, including one for outstanding research from the American Association of Sociologists.
In his columns for the Valdai Club, Professor Lachmann analysed the behaviour of the American elites, criticising them and blaming them for the country’s decline; he also advocated the just distribution of universal benefits, for the future of humanity.
His departure is an irreparable loss not only for his family and friends, but also for the international expert community.
Some of Richard Lachmann’s works can be found on our website. Rest in peace.
