Fossilizing democracy: the twin energy crises and the challenge to liberal democracy.
Date
2010-12-17T21:10:36Z
Authors
Anderson, Blake
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Abstract
This paper offers a critical framework for understanding how liberal democracies will be tested and constrained by the twin energy crises of climate change and energy scarcity. The analysis is developed in three distinct phases: the first phase pursues a critical understanding of the contemporary liberal democratic state as it relates to the fossil fuel dependent capitalist economy. I argue that the state’s dependence on economic growth prevents it from confronting the structural nature of the twin energy crises. In phase two I shift focus, engaging with the historically significant relationship between liberal democracy and market-capitalism. This argument is developed by exploring (1) the historical connection between democracy, liberalism and capitalism; (2) the permanent and dynamic tension that arises from these mutually dependent, yet conflicting ideologies and (3) the crucial role fossil energy has played, and continues to play, in masking and displacing the sources and the consequences of this tension. Finally, in phase three, I explore the divergent interests of the liberal and democratic traditions, suggesting this generates points of tension within liberal democracy that may be exacerbated as the twin crises worsens. I conclude by arguing that it is only through understanding how the twin energy crises will test and constrain liberal democracy that we will be able to defend, strengthen and deepen its core values.
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Keywords
Climate change, Critical political ecology, Liberal democracy, Climatic changes