Utopia, not futurism: Why doing the impossible is the most rational thing we can do
On August 24, 1978, Murray Bookchin gave a lecture in Amherst, Massachusetts. In his speech, Bookchin argued against the ideology of futurism and for ecological utopianism. In the Q&A session, he pointed out that he was not against technology itself, he was against technocracy, and…
Conceptual prefiguration and municipal radicalism: Reimagining what it could mean to be a state
The book examines what value, if any, the state has for the pursuit of progressive politics; and how it might need to be reimagined and remade to deliver transformative change. Photo: Peter Döpper
Think globally, act locally?
The author asks: how can local action further our goals for global transformation? First, there is a reflection on the limits of local action and local democracy. Then the author goes back to social ecology writings and other theoretical discussions to find some clues. Finally,…
Social ecology and the right to the city: Towards ecological and democratic cities
Cities are increasingly a major cause of, but also a potential solution for, environmental and social crises. Across the world, a new wave of urban social movements are arising: movements building economic, social, and political alternatives based on solidarity, equality, and participation. At the forefront…
One cheer — more or less — for the Green New Deal
There is no “magic button” that will cause the state to instantaneously disappear, and it has currently preempted the avenues and channels (to paraphrase Paul Goodman) for carrying out many necessary social functions. So long as the state continues to be a thing, I prefer…
Municipalism and culture: A cross fertilization for and with the people and the city
As part of the introductory speech made by activist and academic Elisabeth Dau in the Open Eyes Economy Summit held in Krakow on the 20th of November 2018, she explores the relationship between municipalism and cultural policies as “democratic culture.” Photo: Stephan Müller
Which municipalism? Let’s be choosy
There is a wide array of experiences that voluntarily fall under the definition of “new municipalism”. As in other dimensions of this radical movement, practice is preceding its conceptual definition, hence making it possible to elaborate a definition based on observation. There are some common…
Becoming mayor to abolish the position of mayor?
Many social movements have created municipalist platforms, run for municipal elections, were elected and are now trying to change the game of traditional representative democracy from the municipality. This paper primarily intends to capture the tensions and paradoxes generated by the adoption by these movements…
Dual power: a strategy to build socialism in our time
The Libertarian Socialist Caucus of the Democratic Socialists of America has reached consensus as to the broad outlines of a revolutionary strategy that fits our current context and material conditions. The article depicts the notion of dual power and the need to build it, as…