One of XR’s main signals has also undergone a perceptual shift – the protest network is “beyond politicsThis sentence does not appear in the new strategy. It is more clearly recognized that climate collapse is a product of social inequality and injustice, and that successful mass movements must include the need for social justice – including anti-racism.
This progress is the result of the hard work of thousands of activists on the ground who could see Extinction Rebellion present a real opportunity to bring climate collapse to the heart of the national debate — and even influence real policy change.These people take the promise of XR seriously Democratic, That”we welcome everyone and every part of everyone”, and “Social Governance” organizational structure Should react to changes. The new strategy shows that those promises have been delivered.
strength
But XR has also been forced to adapt because of the terrain it hopes to make changes, and where counter-attacks and government resistance will clearly come — always political.How do you mobilize the public – act as polity – Don’t do politics? The new strategy specifically targets the “toughness and racism” of our “era”. The example given is the policy of the current Conservative government.
“Amended Bill of Rights, Citizenship and Borders Act, Police Criminal Sentencing and Courts Act, Foreign Aid Reduction, Secret Human Intelligence Act, etc. These are not just attacks on civil rights and democracy, but also on our common sense of decency and humanity Attack of Faith.”
Furthermore, XR now explicitly talks about power in our society. The new strategy states that “true democracy and people’s power” is “completely lost” today – although these are necessary as “bastions … against powers that are easily seized and exploited opportunistically by vested interests”. XR now clearly understands what power is and who owns it. It named Media, Business and Finance, and Government.
This is in stark contrast to the power of the public. “XR is not interested in supporting a concentration of power, not a market, a company or a state. We will only recognize a balance of power. A true balance means that all people have the right to participate and be equally represented.”
Immediate calls for an end to support for the deadly fossil fuel industry and a clearer analysis of societal power point to significant changes in XR.Citizens’ assembly was one of three XR requirements at launch, and Species differences new organization. It is seen as the only way to revolutionize energy policy without “taking power.”
justice
Citizens’ assembly is a very attractive proposition. Members of the public are chosen almost at random – by lottery – and then given clear information on climate science, the risk of climate collapse, its impacts and possible solutions. They will then decide what policies the government should implement, and the ongoing XR rebellion on the streets will ensure the government adopts that advice.
The problem with this “theory of change” is that, however outlandish and mild-mannered it may sound, it is actually a plan to shift power away from parliament – or, more accurately, from major monopolies that continue to emit greenhouse gases and pollution A plan to transfer power. Because Parliament no longer has power – over the people or their chosen representatives.This is not allowed by BP and Shell, let alone Boris Johnson or Sir Tony Radakin.
Another problem is the long causal chain involved in the theory of change in citizen assemblies.First to mobilize millions of activists; second, to force the government to hold an assembly; third to trust public servants to design a fair system, and if they don’t, they will mobilize again; select members of the public; make sure they are not affected – money, even intimidation; ensuring they have the “correct” information about climate science; either providing policy or letting laymen make their own; forcing governments to adopt policies; in court when companies say new policies are illegal and violate international treaties Fighting the company…etc to infinity.
The newly released XR strategy retains the claim that “citizen assemblies are the tool we need to shape climate and ecological justice policy.” However, it does feel like his methodology has been downgraded. In fact, it should never have been incorporated into strategic needs as a method rather than an outcome.
The newly expanded demand for fossil fuels is clear and simple. Stop investing, licensing and subsidies. This is ambitious and will obviously be met with stiff resistance from the fossil fuel industry. The gas, oil and coal industries have had a major impact in the UK for centuries. (For example, see how Lord Ridley from a long line of coal tycoons, sitting in the House of Lords and working in various think tanks called GWPF that influence government energy policy).
courage
But at least the public can see the raw injustice and stupidity of these fossil fuel subsidies, as the new strategy shows. “The UK is one of the worst of the OECD countries and it has been calculated to provide an average of £16bn a year to support fossil fuels in 2017-19. That’s £43,835,616 a day – over £300m a week – Deducted from our taxes…”
Extinction Rebellion’s relatively short life has seen some major changes in its terrain. This of course includes the covid pandemic. But just as important was the outbreak of Black Lives Matter, mainly in the US but with huge repercussions in the UK, as a civil disobedience movement demanding social justice.
Racism has long been a stigma for environmentalism – lurking in fears of population growth in Africa and calling for a safe immigration nation as climate drives immigration. This has created tensions within XR, and while the new strategy offers hope, the Climate Network is also on the right side of history on this issue.
This is addressed directly in the “growth” section of the strategy, titled “Internationalist Solidarity and Anti-Racism”. The document states: “We recognise that it takes greater courage to join XR as people of colour, minorities or non-UK residents. We thank you for being with us and know we must come together better.
“As the UK government becomes increasingly oppressive, authoritarian we dream of, we recognise the need more than ever to strengthen our ties in our communities. For those diaspora communities living in the UK, with the global South front line Our family and friends stay in touch, thank you for your commitment, we see you and we love you.”
tutor
I have to admit that I am uncomfortable using the words “we”, “us” and “you”. It still sounds like a member of the white middle class courting an Other it wants to include but doesn’t fully understand. This may still be a reality for XR. Still, the statement “we are part of a global insurgency” and the insurgents’ suggestion that they “commit to ensure the message of your actions is internationalist” are welcome.
Like this: “We recognise that there are many communities across the globe who are actively resisting in many different ways, including shutting down ecocide projects and undertaking planetary restoration. We hold our UK government accountable for its role in global destruction and exploitation, and Won’t be a bystander. In the UK, people are used to being accomplices to ecocide because it’s done in your name, with your taxes – so stand up, say you won’t allow it, act!”
The strategy also accounts for signs of stress in XR. The protest network’s founding assumptions and promises – that “only a small fraction of the population actively supporting the insurgency may see the end of this destructive political system” – have been thoroughly tested, with environmental movements paying a heavy price, and those who put their lives people who put it on this line. But it didn’t work. not too far.
It is very exciting that the XR strategy recognizes some of the inherent weaknesses of its work to date. The strategy promises to simplify organizational structures, shift power and responsibility from founders, current members to new members, and make it easier for new activists to participate.
It states: “Through our network, 2022 is the year those of us who have been here for a while become mentors. In order to grow, we need to build great relationships and share responsibility as much as possible.” It also addresses Tough money issues. “We’ll be reviewing spending over the past few years to assess spend and impact, which will help the team move forward from here.”
frustration
The strategy is a reaffirmation of many of the movement’s core values and methodologies. XR maintains a staunchly non-violent stance and is committed to transparency and accountability. “As the climate and ecological crisis escalates in 2022 and we face increasing state repression, we demand that all rebels remain accountable.
“Most of our strength in nonviolence comes from our openness, and we show respect and honesty.” XR remains a force for direct action mobilization, retaining a “key performance indicator” of 3.5% of the population taking action and continuing Activists are asked to risk imprisonment.
Action remains front and center in the XR “blueprint.” The strategy calls for a realignment, a regrouping of all the activists it inspires. Calls for “sister groups” to support major insurgents strategically, so that the movement has an overall impact, rather than being fragmented and dispersed in separate parts. There is also practical advice for building national campaigns, revitalizing local affinity groups, and building new community initiatives.
Proof of this strategy will come in April. XR lost a lot. Thousands have been arrested, charged, and many have already served sentences. Who knows how many people get suspended sentences or even jailed for taking part in XR street protests. If thousands of people land in London again, XR will remain a major force in changing the climate landscape. If too little comes, the hopes of many activists could be dashed.
This really brings me to one of the biggest questions the strategy raises. Can XR-style mass mobilizations really work?In a recent article, I talked about three different approaches Advocacy, mobilization and organization – Each requires more resources, more public participation. Satish Kumar discussed the same organizational issues for ecologists. XR stems from frustration with the charity sector’s reliance on propaganda, sometimes mixed with popular mobilizations such as petitions. XR is pure mobilization.
motivator
But we might find out, as Jane McAleevey says in her book no shortcuts, what is really needed is organization: in our communities through permanent establishments and in the workplace through unions.
In fact, it may just be a “trinity” of organizations, plus mass mobilization and negotiation through propaganda that works — and better describes the civil rights movement that inspired XR in the first place.
Anyone reading this will clearly have a keen interest in the future of XR, and should full reading strategy and participate in one of National and local events as part of the rollout. I would like to end simply by citing the last few lines of the strategy, a document that can and does speak for itself.
“As dire as the situation may be, love is the most powerful motivator and the ultimate source of all our work. This year we will recommit to being the bravest and most resilient version of ourselves, The fierce love of our hearts for this land. ”
this author
Brendan Montague is the editor ecologist.
