Age of Precarity: Endless Crisis as an Art of Government

When Crisis Becomes the Norm: What Can We Do to Demand Change?

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 10 August 2021
Publisher: Verso Books

The present historical era is dominated by crisis, encompassing the realms of the economy, politics, and our personal lives. The fluctuations of the labor market and the unraveling of social and political ties inherited from modernity have left us vulnerable. Traditional perspectives that view crises as mere temporary setbacks no longer hold, as this crisis appears permanent, with no clear path to resolution and no viable alternatives in sight.

In reconstructing the political genealogy of the term "crisis" from the Greek world to today's neoliberalism, this book reveals that crisis, as a choice between revolution and conservation, is a distinctive feature of the modern era that does not apply to the present day. However, since its inception, the trope of crisis has proven to be a powerful tool for social discipline and administration. The analytical trajectory pursued in this book spans from Plato to Hayek, from the juridical and medical sciences of antiquity to the current technocracy, encompassing the critical insights of Marx and Gramsci. Through this comprehensive exploration, the book identifies precariousness as the defining form of life that characterizes crisis as an art of government, following in the footsteps of Benjamin and Foucault.

Yet, the question remains: How can we recreate the possibility of political alternatives? In the face of such profound challenges, it is essential to explore new avenues for change and renewal. This may involve challenging dominant narratives, fostering dialogue and understanding across different communities, and advocating for policies that prioritize the well-being and dignity of all individuals. It is a collective effort that requires us to be bold, innovative, and resilient in our pursuit of a more just and equitable world.

Weight: 158g
Dimension: 140 x 210 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781788733809