Speaking

Topher's speaking engagements combine insight, analysis, and wit with a touch of humor to shed light on some of the thorniest issues of our time. He has spoken at academic conferences, university lectures, special interest group events, and more. If you are interested in booking him for your event or conference for any of the themes below, please contact him here.

“In his witty and engaging talk, Dr. Topher McDougal illuminates a shadowy topic by drawing unexpected parallels between economists’ study of dark markets and physicists’ methods for understanding black holes.”
—Laura Heywood, Chair of the Speaker Committee for Sunday Assembly San Diego, regarding “Seeing in the Dark”

“San Diegans for Gun Violence Prevention was honored to have Dr Topher McDougal [...] Topher’s presentation on the flow of U.S. guns into Mexico showed us the extent and depth of his research.

Adding to his data-filled slides, he explained the problem with clarity and humor, and answered audience questions. By the end of his presentation, we had a fuller understanding of the problem and great appreciation for Topher’s knowledge. We would recommend Topher as guest speaker to any group interested in learning more about the topics in which he is so well versed.”
—San Diegans for Gun Violence Prevention

Topics

Gaiacephalos/ Environmental sustainability & futurism
- Environmental fatalism versus techno-optimism (“overshooters” versus “cornucopians”)
- Energy transitions
- Slavery (as a bioenergy exploitation strategy; see the note on “Leviathans & Liberation” above)
- AI, consciousness, and the mechanisms that drive information processing
Illicit trades
- Global arms trafficking patterns (with a focus on small arms, and US-sold weapons)
- Small arms as a “keystone species” of illicit markets
- Researching clandestine activities
- US-Mexico arms trafficking
Economics of humanitarianism and peace
- Humanitarian expenditures and climate change
- Humanitarian interventions (in, e.g. Gaza, Haiti, sub-Saharan Africa [esp. West Africa])
- Climate change and violent conflict