Commons, Citizenship and Power - (Civil Society and Social Change) by Filippo Barbera & Emma Bell (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Since the 2010s, populism and illiberal politics have been on the rise. Demagogue leaders preach simplified rhetoric to vilify the powerless, polarising city and rural areas and sparking such shocking events as the US insurrection on 6th January 2021.

This interdisciplinary book argues for a politics of representativity and accountability to help transform people's experiences, showing that where they live matters and, therefore, so do they.

This book demonstrates how place-based politics can draw on, and benefit from, collective local knowledge, rather than deferring to a nameless central government. Analysing democratic theory and using rich case studies, from protest movements to citizens' assemblies it shows how it can return a sense of control to the people.

Review Quotes

"Another Europe is possible beyond right-wing populism. This book brilliantly makes the case for 'commoning populism' and 'positive placeism' - the democratic potential of local progressive populism and policies for the commons. Combining innovative theoretical insights, experiments and examples of top-down policy failures, the book decisively identifies a way forward for a democratic sustainable development." Patrick Le Galès, Sciences Po

About the Author

Filippo Barbera is Professor of Economic Sociology at the CPS Department of the University of Turin, and Fellow at the Collegio Carlo Alberto.

Emma Bell is Professor of Contemporary British Politics at the University of Savoie Mont Blanc.