Greening states and societies: from transitions to great transformations

Robyn Eckersley

doi:10.1080/09644016.2020.1810890

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article examines the limits and potential of the state in orchestrating sustainability transitions from the standpoint of critical theory on the green state. Two interrelated questions are posed. First, to what extent are democratic capitalist states necessarily compromised in their functional capacity to orchestrate ecological sustainability? Second, in light of this analysis, how can a theory of the green state that claims to be critical and transformative, rather than merely problem-solving, provide practical guidance to state and societal change agents in approaching the political challenges of ecological transition? A critical method for approaching these challenges is outlined, encompassing conjunctural analysis followed by situated, critical problem solving, which is geared to identifying the ‘next best transition steps’ with the greatest long-term transformational potential. The method is briefly illustrated in relation to the critical conjuncture presented by the coronavirus pandemic.

Highlights

Research on sustainability transitions has exploded over the last decade
To what extent are democratic capitalist states necessarily compromised in their functional capacity to orches trate ecological sustainability? Second, in light of this analysis, how can a theory of the green state that claims to be critical and transformative, rather than merely problem-solving, provide practical guidance to state and societal change agents in approaching the political challenges of ecological transition? A critical method for approaching these challenges is outlined, encompassing conjunctural analysis followed by situated, critical problem solving, which is geared to identifying the ‘ best transition steps’ with the greatest long-term transformational potential
Conjunctural analysis is a means of determining where opportunities may lie in particular state-society complexes, including whether different political parties, branches or agencies of the state can be allies in the transition process, and to what extent non-state actors and local communities offer complementary or alternative potential

Summary

Introduction

Research on sustainability transitions has exploded over the last decade. Most prominent is the burgeoning scholarship on transitions in socio-technical systems (e.g., Köhler et al 2019). In light of this analysis, how can a theory of the green state that claims to be critical and transformative, rather than merely problem-solving, provide practical guidance to state and societal change agents in approaching the political challenges of ecological transition?

Results

Conclusion