Catastrophism: The Apocalyptic Politics of Collapse and Rebirth - Softcover

David McNally

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0850366321 ISBN 13: 9780850366327

Publisher: The Merlin Press Ltd, 1687

Synopsis

Amid a global zeitgeist of impending catastrophe, this book explores the culture of fear so prevalent in today's politics, economic climate, and religious extremism. The authors of this collection argue that the lens of catastrophe through which so many of today's issues are examined distorts understanding of the dynamics at the heart of numerous problems, such as global warming, ultimately halting progress and transformation. Arguing that catastrophic thinking results in paralysis or reactionary politics, the authors posit that the myths of 2012 have negative affects across the political spectrum and urge activists not to give up their beliefs and instead focus on working on issues now instead of waiting until society has ended and needs to be rebuilt.

About this title

About the Author

Sasha Lilley is a writer and radio broadcaster and the author of "Capital and Its Discontents." She lives in Oakland, California. David McNally is a professor of political science at York University in Toronto. He is the author of "Another World" and "Global Slump." He lives in Toronto. Eddie Yuen teaches at the San Francisco Art Institute and is the author of "Confronting Capitalism." He lives in San Francisco. James Davis is a documentary filmmaker. He lives in San Francisco. Doug Henwood is a publisher and editor. He lives in Brooklyn, New York.

Review

"This is a controversial book that challenges many of the unexamined assumptions on the left (as well as on the right). It is a warning not to abandon everyday anti-capitalist politics for a politics of absolute fear that inevitably leads to inaction." --Silvia Federici, author, "Revolution at Point Zero"

About this edition

• Publisher: The Merlin Press Ltd
• Publication date: 1687
• ISBN 10: 0850366321
• ISBN 13: 9780850366327
• Binding: Paperback
• Editor: James Davis