Series: Political Imaginaries: New Imperatives

Series Background

This series is developed in collaboration with series editor Anthony Fry and Madina Tlostanova.

Currently, there are obvious limitations to existing political philosophy, its institutions and cultures to respond to the grave pressing contemporary global circumstances that are placing humanity’s future, and organic life in general, at risk. The need is enormous, while the level of the current recognition and responsive action is totally inadequate – this evidences the huge power of the status quo to resist change. This series aims to address such need for a new political framework.

Four converging factors require acknowledgement and address. First is the deepening critical global situation of growing geopolitical instability caused by geopolitical conflicts like the Russia/Ukraine crisis and Chinese expansionism. Second is the certainty that the impacts of enviro-climatic crises are going to increase in the coming decades. Third is the evident incapability of the global political order, national governments and international political institutions to be able to respond effectively. Fourth is the discernible inability of governments to constitute and enact policies able to address the depth and seriousness of the indicated situation. As a result, there is an imperative for a comprehensive exploration of new political ideas and practices that can adequately confront these complexities.

This situation creates an imperative for an urgent and substantial process to commence that can effectively recognise, address, explore and develop new political imaginaries. The goal of the series is not to offer idealized or utopian solutions, but to constitute a new political culture appropriate to the emergent circumstances able to respond to present and future challenges. Existing literature has shown that current political knowledge, often confined to specialized disciplines, is insufficient for addressing the intricate, interconnected issues we face. The intent of this series is to stimulate critical discussion and inspire transformative political action that can navigate the complexity of today's world.