Steven Best (1) (1955–)

This was an accessible survey of a handful of the leading theorists associated with postmodernism. Foucault, Deleuze & Guattari, Baudrillard, and Lyotard each get a chapter. Kellner's dedication to radical politics, especially in the tradition of the Frankfurt school (see his previous book: [b:Critical Theory Marxism and Modernity|373544|Critical Theory, Marxism, and Modernity (Parallax Re-visions of Culture and Society)|Douglas Kellner|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1174258766s/373544.jpg|363456]), comes through clearly, making this an ideal introduction for anyone with similar political interests. Providing a detailed and informative, yet jargon-free analysis of theoretical literature infamous for impenetrable jargon, the authors spare no criticism of these postmodern writers for their proclivities for sloganeering, idealism, and "fetishism of difference." They are most concerned that the defeatism present in much postmodern theory is debilitating for any effective movement for political change, but they also identify important contributions that postmodern theory could make to a renewal of the left which, at the time of the book's publication, had reached a nadir in the decade of Reagan and Bush.… (meer)

Igniting a Revolution argues for a new wave in the history of environmentalism that its editors Steven Best and Anthony J. Nocella, II claim as revolutionary environmentalism: a collective movement that seeks total liberation by building expansive alliance networks and understanding between all radical social struggles. The book is both a reflection of the new multi-issue alliance based politics that emerged during the 1990’s and a call and catalyst for their intensification. It provides a platform for revolutionary voices from all different camps – Black liberationists, Native Americans, eco-feminists, queers, people with disabilities, animal liberationists, anarchists, and many more. Offering academic analysis and activist accounts in over 40 diverse essays, Igniting a Revolution roots out, and explores solutions for, today’s global environmental crisis.

The anthology is organized into several sections that explore issues the editors feel are essential to the study of revolutionary environmentalism. These include the topics of environmental history, sustainability and consumption, religion and spirituality, critiques of civilization, government repression, direct action and militancy, and social movements and alliance politics. Interwoven with each section are collections of somber and beautiful poetry, written by renowned activists such as political prisoner Marilyn Buck, that make a powerful contribution to the book’s holistic compilation.

Throughout the book its contributors emphasize the connection between deep ecology, social ecology, animal liberation and revolutionary action. All of the authors reject environmental activism that views nature as a resource to be maintained and fails to see it as intrinsically valuable. With environmental destruction rapidly escalating, militant approaches that accept “no compromise” are often viewed as most effective. While the essays in this book highlight a variety of opinions and objectives, the authors share recognition that the current capitalist system is inherently unsustainable and unjust and their essays favour an alternative of decentralized and autonomous communities guided by ecological and anarchist principles.

Compiled during an era of ecological devastation and intense repression from the industrial state complex, many of the books contributors now sit imprisoned for their actions defending the Earth. Contributions from current and former political prisoners like Free, Critter, Ashanti Alston and Josh Harper, to name a few, outweigh any book I have seen. And their stories are some of the most endearing. As Bron Taylor, author of the foreword writes, “with a little imagination, this book may provide the next best thing to joining radical activists in the trees, urban neighborhoods, prisons or what Edward Abbey called “nightwork,” that is, sabotage under the cover of darkness” (3).

With its amazing bridge-building approach, fascinating academic as well as activist voices and articulation of a multi-issue global movement, Igniting a Revolution is a one of a kind work in its field. The book explores what it means to be a revolutionary, the emerging manifestations of revolutionary environmentalism and the future potential. The authors consensus seems to be that a diversity of tactics are necessary: education to foster understanding, building organic communities and engaging in protest and militant activism which for some inevitably include armed struggle. With daunting obstacles ahead, only time will tell if revolutionary environmentalism will succeed. Still, it is perhaps the most promising and increasingly necessary progressive social movement in history.… (meer)

This critical anthology, Terrorists or Freedom Fighters? Reflections on the Liberation of Animals, investigates the clandestine faction known as the Animal Liberation Front (ALF). In a holistic collection of essays from academics, writers, political prisoners and activists it uncovers the true nature of the group who, along with other “eco-terrorists,” are deemed the number one domestic terrorist threat by the FBI.

The book opens with an introduction from social justice scholar and Native American Ward Churchill who, although not an animal rights activist, recognizes the need for expanded discourse on animal rights and its parallels with other liberation movements such as the Jewish Resistance – an analogy that is looked at further in Maxwell Shurner’s article “At the Gates of Hell: The ALF and the Legacy of Holocaust Resistance.”

The book is edited into sections on History, Liberation, Motivation, Perception, Tactics and Terror. Throughout the book philosophical examinations interweave with compelling history and accounts from the underground. It shows the story of how a group with roots in 19th century fox hunt saboteurs has expanded into an international underground resistance: one that has liberated countless animals, cost vivisectors millions in property damage and brought focus to the grotesque cruelty of animal enterprises.

The section on terror, an increasingly common topic in the animal rights discourse, examines the ominous implications of statutes such as the US Patriot Act that vaguely define what constitutes and can be punished as an act of terrorism. Simply advocating direct action could now mean a 23 year sentence. Yet, the real “terrorists” in this struggle are those who routinely kill and torture animals.

The ALF acts to defend these animals. Anthony Nocella’s article on understanding the ALF through critical pedagogy shows the importance of recognizing the group’s motivations. In viewing life through their lens one can “transcend the false rhetoric of “terrorism” and approach the real purpose of the struggle – animal liberation.” We see their struggle; these activists risk everything to free the animals. Clearly, with a desire for all creatures to live in harmony, they are rooted in a philosophy of compassion.

Published in 2004, Terrorists of Freedom Fighters? has already made waves and has established itself as one of the fundamental books in the animal rights movement. It is a must read for understanding animal liberation in the context of other social justice movements, and an essential tool for activists and academics to gain comprehensive understanding of the group who, as the introduction states, “are concerned and compassionate citizens who cannot tolerate violence toward animals, and who will go to extraordinary lengths to stop extraordinary wrongs.”… (meer)

"...As the Earth's situation worsens, those opposing its destruction have out of necessity become increasingly militant. Corporate and federal properties have been vandalized, set ablaze - even bombed - and the government is meeting this new brand of environmental militance with an even heavier hand.
Whether you're drawn by frustration with environmental strategies that, to date, have been ineffective against this growing ecological crisis, or simply by curiosity (Who are these people? Why are they doing this? What do they hope to gain?), Igniting a Revolution offers a fascinating and compelling look at the emerging movement of revolutionary environmentalism." http://www.ignitingarevolution.org/… (meer)