Ecology and Belonging: In Search of a New Political Space

Those tasked with mapping our environmental future have lost the language of belonging. Meanwhile, those telling the most convincing stories of belonging are closing borders and ignoring warnings of ecological catastrophe.

In this context, the Ecology and Belonging Theme Group seeks ways of conceiving and performing belonging that are 1) deep enough to connect people to the environment; 2) inspiring enough to transcend political divisions; 3) open to newcomers.

To meet these ambitious aims, we boldly draw together scholars who are not only from very different disciplines and regional contexts, but whose specialist knowledge speaks to the ideologically diverse groups that must be addressed: indigenous peoples; deep ecology; decolonial perspectives; conservatism; and eco-fascism.

To ensure that we can speak to one another meaningfully and contribute to society directly, we will work and think along with a series of Dutch and international projects.

A deep question will pervade our discussions: must any conception of belonging be diluted to include newcomers, or can we conceive belonging in a way that is simultaneously deeply meaningful and radically open?