Socialist States and the Environment

This book explores the ecological legacy of state socialism, arguing for its relevance in creating a sustainable future. Socialist States and the Environment critiques capitalist narratives.

In Socialist States and the Environment, the author reclaims the often contentious legacy of state socialism to envision a viable ecosocialist future. More than three decades after the dissolution of the USSR, critiques of state socialism continue to be wielded as arguments against alternatives to capitalism. This perspective overlooks the significant ecological and social devastation wrought by global capitalism, leading to a narrative that dismisses the potential benefits of past state socialist practices.

As the urgency of the climate crisis intensifies, Engel-Di Mauro emphasizes the necessity of reassessing the environmental policies and practices of state socialism. Contrary to the prevailing view that these experiences were predominantly harmful, the author argues that many state socialist initiatives had positive environmental impacts. This book invites readers to reconsider the heritage of state socialism, suggesting that it can be reclaimed for contemporary eco-socialist objectives rather than being discarded.

Through a comparative and multi-faceted analysis, Socialist States and the Environment highlights a range of environmentally constructive experiences from various socialist states, including the USSR, China, and Cuba. The author provides a provocative examination of what strategies were effective and which were not, ultimately guiding readers toward a more informed understanding of how we can forge a path to an eco-socialist future.