Integrated Activism: Applying the Hidden Connections between Ecology, Economics, Politics, and Social Progress

(Paperback)

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Activists of all kinds will be drawn to this impassioned, broad-sweeping treatise examining not only the hidden cause of all social progress, but also the hidden connections between ecology, economy, and policy--and showing how to use this information to effect real change now. How do peak oil, climate change, and the limits of growth affect abortion rights, income equality, and civil liberty In this broad-gauge, impassioned treatise, author and activist Alexis Zeigler reveals the hidden connections between ecology, economics, politics, and social justice--and shows us how to use those connections to effect real, long-lasting change. Most activist movements suffer from a kind of tunnel vision, Zeigler says, in which the true causes and resulting side effects of the desired change are left unexamined--rendering the movements feeble, short-sighted, and ignorant of their own fallout. This cannot stand, says Zeigler. The only way to effectively deal with the complex problems we are facing is to realize, understand, and incorporate into our solutions the intrinsic interconnectedness of ecology, economics, politics, and social justice. The most-overlooked aspect of any given issue, Zeigler argues, is the ecological situation at hand. By examining through a holistic lens some of the most pressing issues of our time--such as peak oil, abortion rights, climate change, the Patriot Act, and the "wars" on drugs and terror--he illuminates the key economic, political, and most of all, ecological factors that contribute to the status quo, making it indisputably clear that we cannot effectively address our problems in isolation or with ecological blinders on. Packed with surprising facts and eye-opening arguments, Integrated Activism is a must-read, not only for every serious activist, but also for anyone looking for a solid, creditable philosophy and approach to building a fairer, freer, more sustainable future.

Reviews

"Zeigler goes where few writers dare, weaving an embrace of despair with the jujitsu of permaculture."
Albert Bates, author of The Post-Petroleum Survival Guide and Cookbook and The Biochar Solution

"This remarkably honest and insightful book is part deep explanation of the dumbest things we do, part anthropological study of Western anthropologists, and part hands-on guide to achieving environmental sustainability. It should be read by everyone, and everyone should read it together, with a small group of people ready to act on it."
David Swanson, author of War Is a Lie

Author Bio

Born on a self-sufficient farm in rural Georgia, ALEXIS ZEIGLER is a self-taught activist, builder, mechanic, writer, and orchardist. He has organized numerous successful campaigns focusing on political, environmental, and economic localization issues. He is currently working to build Living Energy Farm (livingenergyfarm.org), a zero-fossil-fuel farm that will be economically self-sufficient. The author lives in Charlottesville, VA.