Michael Hardt

Michael Hardt is a Professor of Literature, Romance Studies, and Gender, Sexuality & Feminist Studies at Duke University's Trinity College of Arts & Sciences. He holds the Bass Fellowship and has held leadership roles such as Director of the Marxism & Society Certificate Program. His research focuses on political theory, capitalist power structures, and social movements, blending philosophical inquiry with contemporary activism. Hardt earned his Ph.D. from the University of Washington and has taught at Duke since 1994.

His work critiques global capitalism and explores revolutionary strategies, notably co-authoring Empire. Recent publications include analyses of standpoint theory, nuclear sovereignty, and migrant rights. He teaches courses on Foucault, Marxism, and critical theory, advising students across disciplines like Political Science, Cultural Anthropology, and Visual Studies. Media highlights include coverage of his activism in Mediterranean migrant rescue efforts.

• Education:
  • Ph.D. in Literature, University of Washington (1990)
  • M.A. in Literature, University of Washington (1986)
  • B.S. in Mathematics, Swarthmore College (1983)
• Recent Courses: Marxism and Society, Michel Foucault and Theories of Power, Special Topics in Political Theory