Thomas Hickmann
Associate Professor | Associate Senior Lecturer
Mehr Engagement der Politikwissenschaft in der Anthropozän-Debatte
More Engagement of Political Science in the Anthropocene Debate
Author
Summary, in English
The current debate on the Anthropocene is thus far dominated by the natural sciences. This leads to a simplistic analysis of environmental devastation and the underlying changes of human-nature relations. In this commentary, we urge the discipline of political science to enhance its engagement in the debate on the so-called human age and its far-reaching implications. The Anthropocene is characterized first and foremost by complex interactions, non-linear dynamics and tipping points that entail abrupt changes. Against this backdrop, it becomes clear that there can be no simple management of human impacts on the earth system in the Anthropocene. To explore the root causes and potential solutions of human-induced environmental problems, we need to raise questions on key topics, such as prevailing power relations, clashes of interests and norm conflicts. Political theory is moreover highly relevant to address the question of how the existing political institutions could be reformed in the Anthropocene. The discipline of political science plays hence a particular role in the Anthropocene debate. Yet, the Anthropocene should not only remain a critical topic for those political scientists concerned with the environment. Instead, what is needed is a political science contribution that reflects the entire breadth of the discipline to develop adequate response strategies for system-threatening global environmental changes in an interdisciplinary dialogue.
Publishing year
2020-12
Language
German
Pages
659-670
Publication/Series
Politische Vierteljahresschrift
Volume
61
Issue
4
Document type
Journal article
Publisher
Nomos
Topic
- Political Science
Keywords
- Anthropocene
- Governance
- Interdisciplinarity
- Political theory
- Social-ecological transformation
Status
Published
ISBN/ISSN/Other
- ISSN: 0032-3470