Jan Bachmann

Slides here

How can political theory help us to understand efforts to govern or halt climate change? What political action is suggested by whom for the encounter with fossil capitalism? What are potential ideal-type philosophical underpinnings in the planetary management of climate change? How are cases for (or against) more authoritarian or more participatory action; more coercive or non-violent encounters construed?

In the first part of this lecture, we briefly rehearse the discussion on Anthropocene security. In the second part, we elaborate on possible political trajectories in light of catastrophic climate change. Finally, we will work in small groups and reflect on Andreas Malm's "How to blow up a pipeline", in which he suggests that it's time for direct disruptive action. In preparation for the discussion (and in addition to the readings), please consult the below sources, too. The brief piece in the LA Book Review gives context to Malm's book. In the New Yorker Podcast, Malm himself develops and defends his argument.

https://www.lareviewofbooks.org/article/sabotage-can-be-done-softly-on-andreas-malms-how-to-blow-up-a-pipeline/

https://www.newyorker.com/podcast/the-new-yorker-radio-hour/should-the-climate-movement-embrace-sabotage (go the Malm interview link and start at minute 3:10).

Study question:

1.) Scholars (here Sovacool/Dunlap and Malm) argue that the impending climate emergency requires engaging in direct action. What types of direct action can you discern and how do these forms relate to democratic principles and the rule of law?

Mandatory readings:

Sovacool, Benjamin K., and Alexander Dunlap 2022. Anarchy, War, or Revolt? Radical Perspectives for Climate Protection, Insurgency and Civil Disobedience in a Low-Carbon Era. Energy Research & Social Science 86 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2021.102416.

Recommended Readings

Malm, Andreas 2021. How to blow up a pipeline. London: Verso.
Mann, Geoff & Joel Wainwright 2018. Climate Leviathan. A political theory of our planetary future. London: Verso. Chapter 2 (“climate Leviathan”). [or for an earlier version available online, see Mann/Wainwright 2013. Climate Leviathan. Antipode 45 (1). https://doi.org/10.1111/J.1467-8330.2012.01018.x]
McDonald, Matt 2021. Protecting the vulnerable: Towards an ecological approach to security. In: D. Chandler, F. Müller & D. Rothe (Eds). International Relations in the Anthropocene. London: Palgrave, pp. 191-208 (full-text available).