Contents
The Intricacies of a Global Crisis
Authored By: Jason Hickel / Transnational Institute
Understanding the Nature of the Crisis
A liberated Palestine signifies a broader liberation for the Middle East. This liberation poses a threat to the capitalist structures of the imperial core. Hence, they fiercely resist such changes. The ecological crisis we are witnessing unravels along colonial lines. The imperial core nations, and more so their ruling elites, are significantly accountable. They are the main players in perpetuating excessive emissions that wreak havoc globally. The reality is stark. The Global South, having contributed almost nothing to the crisis, bears the brunt of climate catastrophes.
What’s striking is that you’d rarely detect such devastation in places like Sussex or Finland. However, the same cannot be said for locales such as the Congo or Bolivia. The rich north accumulates resources at the expense of the south, where the true costs are felt.
The Paradox of Production and Poverty
The world economy, equipped with incredible productive capacities, holds the potential to meet human needs. Yet, 80% of the global populace live in deprivation. How can such an immense productive system fail so massively? This happens because production is geared more towards profit than actual human necessities. Capitalism prioritizes accumulation in the imperial core. Consequently, poverty remains unsolved and the climate crisis persists.
Table: Key Points of the Crisis
| Crisis Aspect | Responsible Party | Main Sufferers |
|---|---|---|
| Excess Emissions | Imperial Core | Global South |
| Resource Extraction | Imperial Core | Resource-rich South |
| Energy Use | Global Corporations | Deprived Nations |
The Road to Economic Democracy
We lack control over our productive capacities. Political democracies do exist, but economic systems remain undemocratic. Overcoming capitalism involves establishing economic democracy, which grants shared control over production decisions. With democratic oversight, solving systemic problems becomes attainable. We can determine the nature and beneficiaries of our economic activities.
Moreover, nations in the Global South yearn for economic sovereignty. For sustainable growth and ecological transition, they need control over their resources, labour, and policies. However, structural adjustments and external economic dictates supplant their autonomy. The solution lies in movements for economic liberation, heralding a progressive industrial policy, fiscal policy, and monetary policy.
Capitalism’s Reaction to Liberation Movements
Attempts by peripheral countries to gain economic independence disrupt capital in the core. This leads to violent capitalist backlashes, seemingly endless across history. Today it is Palestine; yesterday it was Libya, Iraq, or the Congo. For capitalists, these are not moral issues but threats to the system.
The Broader Perspective
Palestine’s situation, often viewed through a moral lens, is a matter of power dynamics for capital. The resistance to liberation is thus fuelled by economic interests safeguarding existing power structures.
Conclusion: A Call for Action
In truth, the ecological and social crises we are grappling with are manifestations of entrenched capitalistic systems. These can be resolved but require a concerted push for systemic change. A collective strength defined by clarity of purpose and unity can initiate this transformation. The fate of our shared planet hinges on this.
Learn More About Jason Hickel
Jason Hickel is an esteemed ICREA Professor at the Institute for Environmental Science & Technology (ICTA-UAB), University of Barcelona, and holds several other academic positions. His insights underscore the need for systemic shifts to counteract long-standing inequalities.
Editor’s Note
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