Ecological Politics

Rejection of politics is deep and widespread. Even sincere and responsible individuals who practice it hold their nose while doing so. Yet politics must be practiced, and well, if the planet and the people are to survive. A clue for our future success as a species lies in the fact that ecology has never really been tried in politics. Yet ecology holds the secret of success for planet and people precisely in politics. Deep in ecology is the astounding fact, scientifically examined and attested to, that we are already related. Though taught by elite after elite that we are separate from nature and thus from everyone and everything, this can now be seen as the great mistake and a perpetuated lie from generation to generation. A new ontology of being related is the gateway of consciousness to a new and exciting politics for survival and democracy. Waves of transformation lap at barriers in the political sphere. But they are repulsed by an entrenched politics rooted not only in the greed and power hunger of a dominant few, or in outmoded structures of economic and political power, but in the old millennial ontology of being separate. Our extraordinary times call for a new political party animated by the ecology of being related. It is a party of a different kind, one that frees itself from giant worldwide corporations, is fully and overtly dedicated to non-violence and rooted in the awareness that the people come first. This party knows that elections must be fair and equal and must enable undistorted dialogue, and that people in government must not only proclaim but practice the principle of being of, for, and by the people. This book challenges The Green Party, now on a footing in over 100 countries, to be this party of a different kind.

This essay, a book review essay it might be called, is my urgent attempt to urge you, the reader, to obtain a copy of this book—by hook or by crook. . . This book is political philosophy’s most advanced instrument for bringing about a peaceful transformation based on self-governance and ecological sanity for survival. . . This book has sufficient heft and precision to be deployed as a lever into a new kind of “politics” that aims to empower and “connect” so many disconnected factions of dissatisfaction with all present systems. . . . It is not too late. Our destiny is still ours to shape. “Ecological Politics” is the roadmap to a democratic and viable future for America and humankind on a rejuvenated Earth. The first step on this new “long march” is to thoroughly study and digest the contents of this book. The next steps—some suggested above—are strictly up to you., In Ecological Politics: For Survival and Democracy, John Rensenbrink offers the possibility of a new kind of politics, with new ways of thinking about governance, the health of our planet, and the power of the people. Rensenbrink covers a lot of ground, from the historical emergence of democracy; to the coercive violence of the state; to the assignment of personhood to corporations; to our status as a species living among other species on Earth; to our definitions of freedom; and to the importance of Occupy Wall Street. Since the crises facing us are global, Rensenbrink insists we need a system of global governance—not in the sense of a world empire, but of global cooperation, democracy, nonviolence, and local autonomy. He envisions “a world that answers the need of all people for fundamental security, participation in power, and an opportunity for all to live meaningful, healthy and wealthy lives together on planet earth.”, John Rensenbrink makes a powerful argument that an ecologically-guided politics can become “a brilliant instrument of healing and thriving.” His new book represents the culmination of a career in political science and in the Green Party, of which he is a co-founder. In both he has been a strong voice for democracy and a courageous force for basic change. His book needs to be widely read by academics, students, and all citizens seeking the pathway to fundamental social and political change., This book is a tour de force of political philosophy by a deep thinker and masterful writer. It is full of insights—on a broad array of subjects—yet uses language that is accessible to a range of readers. One need not agree with every particular to recognize the wisdom of the book., Skillfully deploying his knowledge of political history, sociology and ecology, John Rensenbrink maps out a surprising route to continued human existence on our seriously threatened planet. He suggests we take our cues from the longest-lasting, most diverse and successful global political economy ever: life itself. The reciprocal relationships, organically democratic organizational structures and adaptive and cooperative behaviors of natural systems are not only ecological. Rensenbrink argues persuasively that on a finite planet they are just plain necessary.

John Rensenbrink is professor emeritus of government and legal studies at Bowdoin College and cofounder of the US Green Party and the Maine Green Independent Party.