ZEF Public Lecture: Navigating transitions: backlash and its relatives

November 5, 2024 | 16:00 h - 17:00 h

We'd like to invite you to our upcoming Public Lecture!

Topic: Navigating transitions: backlash and its relatives

Speakers: Kristof Van Assche and Monica Gruezmacher

How to join

You can join us in-person at ZEF, third floor, Room 3.032, Genscherallee 3, 53113 Bonn

You can also join online via zoom: https://uni-bonn.zoom-x.de/meeting/register/u5Mofuyorj0tHNzuPGYs7Yezum4wdsGytZ9z

Abstract

In our presentation, we pay attention to the still understudied phenomenon of backlash against sustainability policies, and even more so against more ambitious comprehensive strategies towards transformation or steered transition. We distinguish resistance, backlash and counter-strategy, argue how there is a natural path starting from resistance, in the community and in the governance system, but also the reality of scenarios starting from backlash or even counter-strategy. We conclude with a reflection on options to manage backlash, indicating that no strategy can reduce the chance of backlash to zero, while reminding ourselves that some forms of resistance, backlash and counter-strategy are part and parcel of the democratic process. We also point at features of governance systems which can be cultivated, to enhance chances at the emergence and implementation of strategies for sustainability transition.

Biographies

Kristof Van Assche is currently professor of planning, governance & development at the department of Earth & Atmospheric sciences at the University of Alberta, and senior fellow at ZEF/ Bonn University. He likes to combine fieldwork with policy analysis and theoretical reflection, as well as theory construction. Recent work has focused on sustainability transitions, collective strategy and leadership, as well as the exploration of psychoanalytic perspectives on governance.

Monica Gruezmacher is a research associate at the department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Alberta, and Adjunct Professor at the Environmental Policy institute at Memorial University of Newfoundland. She works on issues of resource governance and community development, and the intersection between environmental and development policy, with special interest in sustainability strategy. Recent work focuses on resource communities, self-organization and visioning, as well as strategy for sustainability transition.