Populism, Austerity and Governance for Sustainable Development in Troubled Times: Introduction to Special Issue

The sustainable development imaginary was built on a belief in co-operation, collaboration and consensus building requires governance approaches that rely upon the values of liberal, pluralistic, tolerant, democratic society. Much scholarship assumed European Post-War, welfare, order, with its emerging educated classes, would steadily progress towards an ever more refined articulated version these values. However, has become increasingly deradicalised, focused instead economic efficiency technocracy. Our current ‘troubled times’ have now seen rise right populism imposition austerity policies Europe. Against this background, six key characteristics are examined through lens—limits to growth, equity, inclusion, reflexivity, participation, international solidarity—showing how further reshaped ideas about govern for development. Right constrained both narratives tools available, while shrinking political space reflection, learning, poorly reflecting thought necessary achieve equitable environmentally future. This been contested COVID-19 pandemic strategies designed ensure post-Coronavirus (COVID-19) recovery.