International Labor Economist to Discuss Global Economic Crisis, US-China Tensions

Patrick Bond to speak on growing threats of trade war and potential world war at San Francisco event

Jan. 27, 2026 at 7:39pm by Ben Kaplan

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International labor economist Patrick Bond will be giving a report in San Francisco on the growing global economic crisis, the role of the US and China, and the dangers of potential trade wars and world war. Bond, a professor at the University of Johannesburg, will discuss the impacts on workers, unions, and people in South Africa and across Africa.

Why it matters

As tensions escalate between the US and China, and the global economy shows signs of instability, this report from an expert on international labor and economics provides important insights into the geopolitical and economic forces at play. The event aims to educate the San Francisco community on these critical issues.

The details

Bond's report will cover topics including the US military's bombing of Nigeria, the potential attack on Iran, Africa's deindustrialization due to Chinese overproduction and US tariffs, and the broader threats of trade war and world war arising from the capitalist crisis and inter-imperialist rivalries. The event will be held in a hybrid format, with both in-person and virtual attendance options.

  • The event will take place on January 28, 2026 at 6PM.
  • It will be held at the Mission Community Room (corner of 17th & Mission Street) at 630 Valencia St. in San Francisco.

The players

Patrick Bond

An international labor economist and professor at the University of Johannesburg who has been studying the capitalist crisis in South Africa and the role of BRICS in Africa and around the world.

WorkWeek

A sponsor of the event, along with Laborfest.net and UFCLP.

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What they’re saying

“The growing world economic crisis and inter-imperialist rivalries are leading to the dangers of world war.”

— Patrick Bond, International Labor Economist (indybay.org)

What’s next

Attendees can register in advance for the hybrid Zoom meeting at the provided link.

The takeaway

This event provides an important opportunity for the San Francisco community to hear from an expert on the global economic crisis and its geopolitical implications, particularly the rising tensions between the US and China and the potential for trade wars and even world war.