Where Now for Green Political Thought? Political economy, the environment and green politics.

Abstract

The main aim of this panel is to try and ‘map’ future directions for green political thinking. Past and recent work in green political theory (a lot of which has been conducted through ECPR conferences), has dealt with Democracy, Justice, Liberalism, the nation-state as well as internal debates about the normative character and principles of green political theory. This panel aims to look at possible future themes, issues, debates and areas for this rapidly developing branch of political theory. Given the recent upsurge in debates about ‘globalisation’, not least in the recent World Summit on Sustainable Development, is the next ‘stage’ for green political theory to address issues of political economy? Does a political economy direction for green politics offer new normative and theoretical issues? Does it contribute to the shift in green politics from critique to practical proposals for creating a more sustainable, just and democratic world? What new models of political economy are promoted by green thinkers? What does a ‘sustainable economy’ look like? Is the decentralised and localised economy the one which most accords with green principles? How can fair (as opposed to ‘free’) trade be promoted and realised? Should the analysis and exploration of ‘green political economy’ be the main organising theoretical agenda for green political theory?

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