Towards a Green Democratic Revolution: Left Populism and the Power of Affects

The populist moment has faltered, and the pandemic has created a strong need for protection, creating a favorable terrain for authoritarian forms of politics. Chantal Mouffe argues that the left should not underestimate the importance of affects when developing a strategy for political change and proposes the creation of a broad coalition of movements under the banner of a Green Democratic Revolution. This entails the protection of society and its material conditions in a way that empowers people instead of making them retreat in a defensive nationalism or in a passive acceptance of technological solutions.

Format: Hardback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 01 November 2022
Publisher: Verso Books

The populist moment, characterized by the promises of change and empowerment, has faced significant setbacks in recent years. The defeats of figures such as Jeremy Corbyn, Bernie Sanders, and Jean-Luc Melenchon have highlighted the limitations of these movements. Moreover, the pandemic has brought about a pressing need for protection, creating a fertile ground for authoritarian forms of politics. This new situation presents a challenge for the left, whose rationalism and modernist notion of progress may be skeptical of the demands arising from this context.

In response to this challenge, Chantal Mouffe argues that the left must not underestimate the significance of affects when developing a strategy for political change. Mouffe suggests that we are witnessing a return of the political after years of post-politics. In this context, Mouffe proposes the creation of a broad coalition of movements under the banner of a Green Democratic Revolution. This revolution aims to protect society and its material conditions in a way that empowers people rather than making them retreat into defensive nationalism or passive acceptance of technological solutions. It seeks to provide social justice and foster solidarity, ensuring that the benefits of progress are shared by the many rather than the few.

Towards a Green Democratic Revolution is a bold call for political organization in the post-pandemic era. It emphasizes the need to address the economic, social, and ecological crises that have been exacerbated by the pandemic. By creating a coalition of movements that prioritize the protection of society and its material conditions, the left can strive to build a more just and sustainable future. This revolution seeks to empower people, promote social justice, and protect the planet from the threats posed by climate change and other environmental challenges.

In conclusion, the populist moment has faltered, and the pandemic has brought about a need for protection and authoritarianism. However, the left can respond to this challenge by embracing the significance of affects and creating a Green Democratic Revolution. This revolution aims to protect society and its material conditions, empower people, and foster solidarity. By building a broad coalition of movements under this banner, the left can strive to build a more just and sustainable future for all.

Weight: 177g
Dimension: 129 x 198 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839767500