Review of the Volume ”The Sustainable Development Theory: A Critical Approach, Volume 1 - The Discourse of the Founders” [Palgrave Studies in Sustainability, Environment and Macroeconomics], Authors: Ion Pohoață, Delia Elena Diaconașu, Vladimir Mihai Crup

Abstract

Sustainable development is a hot topic (pun intended) in the landscape of today’s social sciences. The subject is difficult to fairly assess and it is even more difficult to draw meaningful conclusions regarding it. Yet, its importance demands that questions be answered and answers be provided. But, in order to get to that point, it is most important to understand what the topic is really about. This is the goal of the book ”The Sustainable Development Theory: A Critical Approach, Volume 1 - The Discourse of the Founders” written by Ion Pohoață, Delia Elena Diaconașu and Vladimir Mihai Crupenschi and published by Palgrave Macmillan. The three scholars endeavour to provide a clear understanding of the concept of sustainable development, of what it is and, more importantly, what it is not. They ground their analysis in the works of the founders of economic sciences, aiming to achieve two objectives. First, they wish to provide healthy foundations to the concept of sustainable development, to ground it in historical truth and actual fact. Secondly, they wish to prove that those who planted the roots of our actual economic and social structures did not overlook the matter. The book attains both of them and thus helps the readers - both specialists and educated learners - to find their way in the jungle of ideas which is the field of sustainable development today and also prepares them to understand the modern confusion on the topic that is discussed at large in the second volume.