Socialist States and the Environment: Lessons for Eco-socialist Futures

This essay critically reviews the existing literature on the environmental governance of socialist states, with a focus on their lessons for ecosocialist futures. Drawing extensively from Salvatore Engel-Di Mauro’s Socialist States and the Environment: Lessons for Eco-socialist Futures, the authors highlight his detailed and insightful analysis of the environmental histories of socialist systems and their relevance for shaping ecosocialist models. Engel-Di Mauro’s critique of the environmental policies implemented by socialist states and his reflections on sustainable ecological practices offer significant contributions to the ongoing global discourse on environmental governance. This essay synthesizes key arguments concerning the relationship between socialist states and environmental futures, underscoring their importance in developing effective ecosocialist approaches to environmental management.