James Meadway: Redefining Modern Economics for a Sustainable and Equitable Future

James Meadway is a highly regarded British economist, known for his role as Director of the Progressive Economy Forum and for his previous position as chief economic adviser to John McDonnell, the former Shadow Chancellor of the UK. With a focus on dismantling neoliberal economic models, Meadway has gained prominence for promoting alternative economic frameworks that prioritize sustainability, social justice, and climate-conscious growth. His progressive views on redistribution, economic resilience, and the urgent need to move beyond GDP-centered thinking have positioned him as a leading voice in shaping a new era of post-neoliberal economic policy in the UK and beyond.

Introduction: The Voice of a New Economic Future

In an era marked by economic uncertainty, climate crises, and rising inequality, few voices resonate as clearly as that of James Meadway. A distinguished economist, academic, and public intellectual, Meadway has emerged as a thought leader in the ongoing redefinition of economic policy in the UK. His relentless critique of neoliberalism, combined with his vision for a greener, fairer economy, has positioned him as a key architect of what many consider the next generation of economic theory and practice. This article explores Meadway’s life, career, and economic philosophy, delving into how his ideas are helping to reshape public discourse and influence policy at the highest levels.

Early Life and Academic Background

James Meadway’s journey into economics began with a robust academic foundation. He holds a first-class degree in Economics and Economic History from the London School of Economics (LSE). He later went on to earn both a Master’s degree (with distinction) and a PhD in Economics from the University of London. His academic career also includes lecturing roles at leading UK institutions such as SOAS, the University of Sussex, City University, and the University of Cambridge. These experiences helped shape his analytical approach to macroeconomics, policy development, and systemic reform.

Career Milestones: From Think Tanks to Parliament

New Economics Foundation (NEF)

James Meadway served as the Chief Economist at the New Economics Foundation, a progressive think tank that champions economic policies rooted in social equity and environmental sustainability. At NEF, he played a key role in developing proposals that countered the austerity-driven agenda of successive UK governments. He advocated for increased public investment, the empowerment of workers, and the strengthening of public services.

Advisor to John McDonnell

Meadway’s most high-profile role came during his time as the economic adviser to John McDonnell, Shadow Chancellor under Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership. This period was pivotal for the Labour Party, as it presented a radical shift away from centrist economic policies toward a bold, redistributive agenda. Meadway was instrumental in shaping Labour’s economic platform, which included proposals for a Green New Deal, large-scale public investment, public ownership of essential services, and the introduction of progressive taxation.

Director of the Progressive Economy Forum (PEF)

In his current role as Director of the Progressive Economy Forum, Meadway oversees a platform that brings together leading economists, academics, and policymakers to promote ideas that challenge neoliberal orthodoxy. PEF acts as a hub for economic thought that prioritizes ecological sustainability, social well-being, and democratic accountability in economic governance.

Core Economic Philosophy: Breaking Free from Neoliberalism

At the heart of James Meadway’s work is a fundamental rejection of neoliberal economic principles, which have dominated policymaking in the UK and much of the Western world since the 1980s. He argues that neoliberalism, with its focus on deregulation, privatization, and market supremacy, has led to growing inequality, weakened democratic institutions, and environmental degradation.

Instead, Meadway advocates for a model of economics that is more democratic, inclusive, and attuned to the realities of the 21st century. He emphasizes that economic systems must recognize ecological limits and prioritize long-term social resilience over short-term profit.

Post-Growth Economics: Rethinking GDP

One of the most important aspects of Meadway’s economic theory is his critique of growth-centric models. He argues that the relentless pursuit of GDP growth is not only unsustainable in the face of ecological collapse but also fails to reflect the true well-being of society. In his view, economies should be measured by how well they meet the needs of people and the planet, not by how fast they grow.

Meadway’s support for post-growth economics involves reorienting policy around indicators like health, education, environmental quality, and income equality. He believes that only by breaking free from the obsession with growth can governments address the root causes of climate change and economic insecurity.

Climate Economics and Ecological Resilience

Climate change is central to Meadway’s economic thinking. He warns that the traditional tools of macroeconomic policy—like interest rates and quantitative easing—are ill-equipped to handle climate-induced disruptions such as extreme weather events, food shortages, and supply chain breakdowns.

According to Meadway, effective climate economics must focus on resilience. This includes investing in renewable energy, transforming agriculture, rethinking transportation, and building infrastructure that can withstand climate shocks. Crucially, he believes that these investments must be made equitably, ensuring that the burdens and benefits of the green transition are shared fairly across society.

Redistribution and Economic Justice

Meadway places a strong emphasis on redistribution as a means of building a fairer economy. He supports progressive taxation, wealth taxes, and policies that enhance the bargaining power of workers. For him, economic justice is not merely a moral imperative but a practical necessity in the face of growing inequality and social fragmentation.

He argues that societies with more equitable distributions of wealth are more stable, more innovative, and better prepared to confront systemic crises. In this sense, redistribution is not about punishment but about creating the conditions for sustainable prosperity.

Public Ownership and Democratic Control

Another pillar of Meadway’s economic model is public ownership. He supports the re-nationalization of key industries and services, including water, railways, and energy. He believes that public ownership can deliver better outcomes in terms of efficiency, equity, and environmental sustainability.

Moreover, Meadway advocates for expanding democratic participation in economic decision-making. This includes promoting cooperative business models, participatory budgeting, and greater transparency in public spending. He envisions an economy where citizens have real control over the resources and institutions that shape their lives.

Media Presence and Public Engagement

James Meadway is not confined to academic or policy circles. He is a prominent public intellectual who engages widely with the public through media, podcasts, and lectures. He hosts the weekly podcast “Macrodose,” where he breaks down complex economic issues in an accessible and engaging manner.

He is also a regular contributor to various publications, offering commentary on everything from inflation and monetary policy to climate breakdown and global trade. His clear and confident communication style has made him a trusted voice for those seeking to understand and challenge the status quo.

A Book on the Horizon: The End of Growth

In line with his post-growth philosophy, Meadway is currently working on a book titled The End of Growth, scheduled for publication in autumn 2026. This book is expected to outline his vision for a world beyond GDP, where economic success is measured not by expansion but by resilience, fairness, and ecological balance.

The forthcoming book promises to be a landmark contribution to modern economic thought and will likely influence policymakers, academics, and activists alike.

Influence on UK Economic Policy and Beyond

While Meadway’s ideas were once considered fringe, they are now gaining traction among politicians, academics, and activists. The climate crisis, the cost of living crisis, and public disillusionment with neoliberalism have created fertile ground for the kind of systemic change he advocates.

His influence can be seen in the policy proposals of the UK Labour Party, especially under the leadership of Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell. While the party has since shifted toward a more centrist stance, the groundwork laid by Meadway and others continues to inform debates about public ownership, climate action, and economic justice.

Criticism and Challenges

Like any transformative thinker, James Meadway faces criticism. Some economists argue that abandoning GDP growth could lead to stagnation, unemployment, or fiscal instability. Others question whether public ownership can deliver better outcomes than market-based solutions.

However, Meadway does not shy away from these debates. Instead, he welcomes rigorous scrutiny and insists that the challenges we face require bold and sometimes uncomfortable ideas. He acknowledges the risks but argues that the status quo is no longer tenable.

Conclusion: Why James Meadway Matters

James Meadway is more than an economist—he is a visionary committed to building an economy that works for people and the planet. His critiques of neoliberalism, his advocacy for post-growth models, and his emphasis on ecological resilience make him a crucial voice in the search for new economic paradigms.

As the world grapples with climate breakdown, social inequality, and economic instability, Meadway’s ideas offer not just criticism but solutions. His work encourages us to think beyond outdated models and imagine an economy rooted in justice, sustainability, and collective well-being.

In a time of global transformation, James Meadway’s contributions are not just timely—they are essential.