What Is To Be Done: political engagement and saving the planet

The follow-up to the author's 1982 bestseller, Sleepers, Wake!, examines the challenges faced by increasingly fragile democracies and public institutions in the digital age. Barry Jones sees climate change as the greatest problem of our time, and technologies such as the smartphone and social media have destroyed our sense of belonging. In the post-truth era, politicians invent 'facts and ignore the obvious, while business and the media are obsessed with marketing and consumption.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 12 November 2020
Publisher: Scribe Publications

A remarkable and thought-provoking sequel to the author's groundbreaking bestseller, "Sleepers, Wake!" was published in 1982. This influential work swiftly gained global recognition, captivating readers across diverse nations. It resonated with prominent figures such as Deng Xiaoping and Bill Gates, leading to its publication in China, Japan, South Korea, and Sweden. Furthermore, it facilitated the author's remarkable achievement of becoming the first Australian minister to address a G-7 summit meeting, held in Canada in 1985.

Now, in this captivating follow-up, the esteemed polymath and former politician Barry Jones delves into the events that have transpired since the publication of "Sleepers, Wake!" Specifically, he focuses on the profound impact of the digital age on politics and society. Recognizing climate change as the most pressing issue of our time, Jones laments the inability of political leaders to grapple with the complex and long-term challenges posed by such a significant threat. Moreover, he observes how technologies such as smartphones and the pervasive influence of social media have eroded our sense of belonging to broader, inclusive communities.

The COVID-19 pandemic serves as a poignant illustration of the challenges faced by democracies and public institutions. While some leaders demonstrated remarkable courage in responding to this existential threat, others chose to deny the evidence. In the post-truth era, politicians fabricate facts and disregard or dismiss the obvious, while businesses and the media prioritize short-term marketing and consumption.

In his eagerly anticipated work, "What Is to Be Done?" Barry Jones offers a comprehensive exploration of the challenges of modernity and provides insightful solutions for navigating them. Through his profound insights and pragmatic approach, Jones offers a roadmap for individuals and societies to address the pressing issues of our time and build a more resilient and sustainable future.

Weight: 518g
Dimension: 153 x 235 x 2 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913348038