Lessons From Rojava for the Paradigm of Social Ecology

This essay addresses two related questions raised by the editors of research topic for “Beyond Frontiers Political Science: Is Good Governance Possible in Cataclysmic Times?” In particular, it explores: 1) how we can identify new tools and perspectives from which to address multiple mutually reinforcing problems accumulating around climate change; 2) what institutional alternatives nation-state need be created empowered tackle such complex problems. It does so through an in-depth treatment paradigm “social ecology” associated political project “democratic confederalism.” begins with overview argument, first advanced Murray Bookchin subsequently adopted adapted imprisoned Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan, that building ecological society requires assault on hierarchy all its forms, construction alternative, direct-democratic institutions capable transcending system capitalist nation-state. sketches architecture popular assemblies central this project, both emphasizing their potential contest social-property relations hierarchies intrinsic pointing out some sources resilience existing system. hones experience revolutionary forces control Autonomous Administration North East Syria (AANES), who have been directly inspired Öcalan’s ideas. highlights AANES’s achievements as well significant obstacles has encountered attempt bring into being a radically-egalitarian, society. concludes drawing lessons these difficulties.