Revisiting Polanyi’s The Great Transformation to understand present-day climate obstruction

Key Points

• This paper aims to reinterpret Polanyi’s insights to address current challenges in climate action amidst rising authoritarianism.
• Analyzes Polanyi's The Great Transformation in the context of modern climate issues.
• Identifies misinterpretations of Polanyi’s work concerning fascism and economic liberalism.
• Explores the links between climate obstructions and political backlash.
• Highlights the connections between Polanyi's critique of economic liberalism and today’s climate obstruction.
• Suggests that authoritarian politics are reflected in current climate action resistance.
• Calls for building wider coalitions for effective climate action against cultural backlash.

Abstract