Ilan Kapoor

Ilan Kapoor is a Professor in Critical Development Studies at the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change, York University, Toronto. His scholarly work bridges political theory, psychoanalysis, and international development studies, focusing on ideological critique, decoloniality, and the intersections of desire and global capitalism.

Education

• PhD in Political Science, University of Toronto
• MA in International Affairs, Carleton University
• BA (Honours) in Economics and Political Science, University of Waterloo

Research Interests center on politicizing global development, examining class, gender, racialization, and indigeneity in development practices. He critiques celebrity humanitarianism and explores psychoanalytic frameworks in political economy and environmental governance.

Scientific Awards

• 2023 Dean’s Teaching Award, Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change (EUC)
• 2022 Dean’s Research Excellence Award, EUC

Recent Publications highlight psychoanalytic political ecology, decolonial theory, and critiques of global capitalism. His work engages with Žižekian ideology critique, intersectionality, and the unconscious dimensions of anti-racist training. Collaborations with Gavin Fridell, Maureen Sioh, and Pieter de Vries reveal interdisciplinary approaches to development and Marxism.