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

  • This requires discursive articulation and a critical mass of political support. It can accommo­ date the fact that different states forms accord different priority to different state functions for different purposes, which provides different opportunities for transforma­ tion. This more historicist understanding of the state provides a fitting framework for addressing the methodological question posed for the critical theory of the green state, which is how to provide practical guidance to state policy makers and other change agents in approaching the transition process in ways that remain critical and transformative

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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

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