Serge Latouche on Degrowth and Capitalism

Discussion

(unknown source but likely related to: Mauss Review 26 on Alternative Democracy and Alternative Economy)

From the reading notes of Michel Bauwens, 2006:

Society cannot survive with the current form of capital accumulation, which cannot be the main logic. But some institutions, like the market, can continue to exist, but encased in a different logic, as they did before the emergence of a fully capitalist order.

Degrowth can only come through a combination of two factors:

1) the crisis of the present regime

2) the attraction of convivial alternatives

Both of these can lead to the necessary decolonisation of the imaginary. This will lead to a eco-democracy which will likely be based on new forms of localism. Takos Fotopoulos is cited as arguing for units of 30,000 people. A long phase of re-territorialization will be needed, lasting 50 to 100 years. The devastation of nature will be addressed through such self-managed communities.

Latouche is not a believer in universal direct democracy:

1) most people do NOT want permanent political participation

2) representation is now part of our tradition

He also does not believe in 'world government' but in a 'democracy of cultures'.