Linkages between nature and nationalism are re-emerging, gaining momentum on the political agenda of far-right actors. To examine this intersection, this research employs the theoretical framework...Show moreLinkages between nature and nationalism are re-emerging, gaining momentum on the political agenda of far-right actors. To examine this intersection, this research employs the theoretical framework of Forchtner and Kølvraa (2015), focused on the aesthetic, material and symbolic dimensions of nature in nationalism. Considering the aforementioned elements, this analysis offers insights into the field of right-wing rhetoric using Poland as a case study. This paper finds that although these categories can be analytically productive, the reality of far-right communication showcases the interplay of these dimensions. In essence, this research displays how the far-right actors find justification for the nationalist narratives within the concept of nature by referencing the nation’s resource sovereignty, national identity, history or beauty of unspoiled natural landscapes.Show less
This paper researches the way in which the Dutch GroeneKerken movement invokes ecotheology in its promotion of environmentalism amongst Christians in the Netherlands. Exploring the movement’s...Show moreThis paper researches the way in which the Dutch GroeneKerken movement invokes ecotheology in its promotion of environmentalism amongst Christians in the Netherlands. Exploring the movement’s appeal to ecotheology will tell us something about the way in which Christian communities in the Netherlands have been adjusting to the rising awareness of the gravity of the environmental crisis. The paper relies upon an interpretative research method. Larger theoretical ideas about ecotheology have been used to make sense of the way in which the GroeneKerken movement promotes environmentalism amongst Christians in the Netherlands. This involved qualitative analysis of the movement through the lens of three different hermeneutical keys for interpreting the Bible ecologically: ecocentrism, environmental justice and environmental stewardship. It will be demonstrated that the GroeneKerken movement implicitly and explicitly invokes the ecotheological notions of ecocentrism, environmental justice and environmental stewardship in its promotion of environmentalism.Show less
Authors of books on minimalism often frame a simple lifestyle as a countercultural mode of resistence to a society made unbearable by consummerism. Decluttering and deciding to severely limit one's...Show moreAuthors of books on minimalism often frame a simple lifestyle as a countercultural mode of resistence to a society made unbearable by consummerism. Decluttering and deciding to severely limit one's purchases are seen as reliable ways to achieve happiness and to live more sustainably. What this thesis argues is that, far from proposing alternatives to a late-capitalist system that is alienating and environmentally disastrous, narratives of lifesyle minimalism fully embrace a neoliberal ethos of personal responsibility, individualization and faith in the free market. These recurring themes, together with a thoroughly depolicized view of social engagement, emerge over and over again in my analysis of two central topics in minimalist how-to literature: the pursuit of happiness and the attempt to reduce one's environmental footprint.Show less
Humanity’s excessive consumptive behaviour is the primary cause of ecological destruction. Yet, neither lowering consumption nor production levels seem to be addressed in environmental policies and...Show moreHumanity’s excessive consumptive behaviour is the primary cause of ecological destruction. Yet, neither lowering consumption nor production levels seem to be addressed in environmental policies and thus remain notably high. Therefore, this dissertation investigates the psychological roots of humanity’s ecologically destructive consumptive behaviour. My hypothesis is that ecological alienation and self-alienation are the main, compounding factors of ecologically destructive consumptive behaviour. Ecological alienation leads to devaluation of nature. As environmental values are paramount to sustainability-driven behaviour, devaluation of nature decreases the prevalence of such behaviour. Additionally, I argue that humanity’s excessive consumption is driven by consumptive addiction whereby individuals substitute their authentic physical, mental and emotional needs with consumption; and that this consumptive addiction is rooted in self-alienation. I suggest that ecological alienation and self-alienation are themselves rooted in the modern industrial worldview and its related value systems, and that these factors influence and reinforce each other. Ultimately, what is necessary to counter ecologically destructive addictive consumptive behaviour might be exactly what runs the risk of being indefinitely destroyed because of it: humanity’s reconnection with nature.Show less
Climate change is the most pressing threat to our planet and activism has been formed to urge policymakers to counter the effects of climate change and to stabilize the climate. Globally,...Show moreClimate change is the most pressing threat to our planet and activism has been formed to urge policymakers to counter the effects of climate change and to stabilize the climate. Globally, environmental protest movements have been formed, yet the Middle East shows significantly little environmental activism. This thesis focuses on governance of the Arab Gulf States and identifies the rentier-state and its dependency on oil as the main driver of the non-existence of environmental protest movements. The regime’s repressive nature hinders civil participation and therefore prevents activism at its core. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates serve as examples of this observation.Show less
