The International Politics of Governing the Anthropocene

The Anthropocene is now regarded as the defining condition of contemporary world affairs. Although the International Commission on Stratigraphy does not believe that the term Anthropocene marks a new geological age, it is still a useful concept for outlining the conditions under which we all currently operate. Our current environmental crisis goes well beyond the climate crisis and its chilling prospects for human well-being. As Captain Barbosa said, “You’re off the edge of the map, mate. Here there be monsters.” In addressing the challenges to governance in the Anthropocene, three works, Children of a Modest Star, The Politics of the Anthropocene, and All We Can Save, provide cartographic guidance for understanding and guiding behavior in this state of affairs. Children of a Modest Star and The Politics of the Anthropocene are written by political scientists, whereas All We Can Save offers an interdisciplinary perspective on the global...