Environmental Blockades: Obstructive Direct Action and the History of the Environmental Movement

Environmental blockades have been a contentious form of political action since the 1970s, disrupting the exploitation and destruction of forests, rivers, and other biodiverse places. This book explores when, where, and why environmental blockading and its associated tactics first arose, and how they have shaped government policy, the culture of modern politics, and popular understandings of ecology, colonialism, and activism. It offers the first comprehensive history and analysis of environmental blockading in three key countries: Australia, the United States, and Canada.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 286 pages
Publication date: 11 June 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Environmental blockades, which have been a prominent and contentious form of political action since the 1970s, have aimed to disrupt the exploitation and destruction of forests, rivers, and other biodiverse places. This book delves into the origins, locations, and motivations behind environmental blockading and its associated tactics. It explores a wide range of questions, including how these tactics and practices first emerged and gained popularity in environmental campaigns, such as animal rights, peace, refugee, and other movements. The author aims to understand the goals of blockaders and the impact of such blockades on government policy, the culture of modern politics, and public perceptions of ecology, colonialism, and activism.

The book provides a comprehensive history and analysis of environmental blockading in three key countries: Australia, the United States, and Canada. These countries were the first to experience sustained protest cycles that established, promoted, and developed the environmental blockading repertoire as an ongoing strategic option for movements nationally and internationally. The campaigns in these regions played a crucial role in shaping a new approach to conservation issues and in making obstructive direct action a regular feature of political campaigning.

The book draws on rigorous archival research, encompassing a diverse range of sources, including personal diaries, campaign minutes, video footage, police reports, newspaper articles, and interviews with over 30 protest leaders and campaigners. This extensive research allows for a detailed and nuanced understanding of the historical context, strategies, and outcomes of environmental blockading.

The book will be of great interest to students and scholars in the fields of sociology, political science, history, and environmental studies. It offers valuable insights into the dynamics of social movements, the power of direct action, and the intersection of environmental concerns with broader social and political issues. By examining the case studies of Australia, the United States, and Canada, the book provides a comparative perspective on environmental blockading and its global implications.

In conclusion, this book offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of environmental blockading, shedding light on its historical roots, tactics, and impacts. It provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics of social movements and the role of direct action in shaping political landscapes. Through its rigorous research and comparative analysis, the book contributes to our understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing environmental activism and conservation efforts in the contemporary world.

Weight: 460g
Dimension: 154 x 234 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367480554