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Geopolitics of Post-Growth
Can a European Union that is the first to renounce economic growth still be a global player? This webinar explores the tensions and synergies between post-growth and geopolitics.
About the event
Scientists increasingly doubt whether we can stop the climate and ecological crises as long as our economy continues to grow. So we had better prepare for a future without GDP growth. In fact, the degrowth movement, which is rapidly gaining popularity among activists and scientists, advocates the deliberate scaling back of overproduction and overconsumption to bring the economy back into balance with the living world, in a way that reduces inequality and improves human well-being.
But what would a farewell to economic growth mean for geopolitics? Can a European Union that is the first to enter the post-growth era remain (or become) a global player? Will it be able to defend itself, its allies, democracy, and the international rule of law against aggressive autocrats? The transition to a post-growth society must be a democratic one. But that is far from obvious at a time when authoritarian regimes are invading or threatening their democratic neighbours.
On the plus side, a post-growth EU might gain resilience. Without economic growth, it will be easier for the EU to reduce its dependence on imported energy and raw materials. This favours strategic autonomy. It also provides an opportunity to move beyond the neo-colonial ‘extractivism’ that burdens relations with the global South.
In this webinar, we will identify points of contention and try to develop commonalities. After some brief introductions, there will be ample time for participants to have their say.
Project background
This event is part of GEF’s project Geopolitics of a Post-Growth Europe, which explores the tensions between degrowth/post-growth and geopolitics. The project aims to ignite a conversation between critics of economic growth and progressive thinkers on foreign and security policy, who now often operate in separate circuits. It aims to find solutions beyond naïve anti-militarism and convenient belief in green growth. Find out more about the project and its findings at geopoliticspostgrowth.eu.
Speakers
- Sophie Bloemen, co-director Commons Network
- Roderick Kefferpütz, director of the European Union office of the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung
- Richard Wouters, project leader ‘Geopolitics of a post-growth Europe’ for GEF
The webinar will be moderated by Judith Sargentini, former MEP for GroenLinks and CEO in the not-for-profit sector.
Practicalities
Date and Time: Friday, 8 September (14:00 – 16:00 CEST)
Language: English
Audience: Public event online, via Zoom
Registration: Please register online via this link.
In case of further questions, contact project lead Richard Wouters – rwouters (at) groenlinks.nl
This project is organised by the Green European Foundation with the support of Wetenschappelijk Bureau GroenLinks and with the financial support of the European Parliament to the Green European Foundation. The European Parliament is not responsible for the content of this event.