Impassioned lucidity against the plunder of the planet and the wrecking of our lives at work shines from every page as the contributors deliver the daily doses of optimism of the will and of the intellect essential for our confronting global catastrophes and when grappling with get-out-of-bed concerns. Here are the contexts for why ‘The News Item’ has always been fake.—Humphrey McQueen, author of The Essence of Capitalism.If we are to have any hope of overcoming the most fundamental crises of our time, we need a deep understanding of their causes. The essays in this vital volume provide the exact kind of powerful social and economic analysis that is urgently needed. The editors have compiled a rich range of voices who make the world intelligible and therefore give us the clarity we need to undertake effective activism.—Nathan J. Robinson, Editor in Chief, Current Affairs.If there was ever a time to analyse the politics of dissent, now is surely it. In doing just that, this collection of essays brings to bear on the major issues involved some of the best minds in the business of international relations such as Chomsky, Sachs, and Varoufakis, long-standing stalwarts of the Left such as Brenner, Grossman, Loshitzky, and Purser; and voices from the Global South that are all too often unheard or ignored. It is written in plain English, which should make it accessible to a wide audience, which it richly deserves.—Dr. Bala Yusuf Yunusa, Senior Technical Adviser and Head of Policy and Strategy Unit, Sustainable Development Goals, Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria.As an African scholar, I commend The Political Economy of Dissent: A Research Companion for its bold and incisive analysis of the systemic inequalities that define our world. This book illuminates the entangled crises of climate change, imperialism, and economic exploitation, issues that resonate deeply with the lived realities of the African continent. By weaving perspectives from marginalised voices alongside renowned critics like Chomsky and Varoufakis, the editors craft a compelling narrative that challenges entrenched global power dynamics. The essays confront the historic and ongoing predation of the Global South, a stark reminder of how Africa remains at the epicentre of resource extraction and economic exploitation. The discussions on climate vulnerability, extractivism, and the persistent consequences of colonialism underscore the urgent need for systemic transformation. Particularly relevant are the insights into grassroots resistance and the role of indigenous knowledge systems, which align with Africa’s resilience and rich traditions of community-driven activism. This volume is not just a critique but a clarion call for justice, equity, and systemic change. It equips readers with the analytical tools to reimagine governance and global solidarity, making it an indispensable resource for those committed to a just future for all, especially those in the Global South.—Justice N. Bawole, Professor of Public Administration and Management; Dean of the University of Ghana Business School, Accra, Ghana.These essays invite us to contemplate the root cause of the global climate crisis and the volatile state of international relations – unbridled capitalism. The authors present eclectic, stimulating perspectives on issues ranging from the north-south divide and climate change to the terrifying threat of nuclear conflict. The compilation is a sobering, but necessary read. A clarion call for action before it is too late.—Hon. Steve Bracks AC, former Premier of the State of Victoria, Australia (1999-2007); current Chancelor of Victoria University.For centuries, Africa has been on the receiving end of Western ‘largesse’. First it was slavery, then settler-colonialism. More recently it has been the hydra-headed incarnation of late-stage capitalism – neoliberalism – which has continued to feast on Africa’s natural resources. All too often it has been ably aided and abetted by coopted local elites who create and perpetuate the failed state conditions that are conducive to such exploitation. However, the underdevelopment and misery caused by these traditional forms of extractivism may well be overshadowed by the catastrophic effects of climate change, which is also made largely by the industrialised rich countries of the West; and by the increasing tensions between the US-led imperium and its declared principal adversaries, Russia and China, which could result in nuclear war. Africa is a ‘taker’ in all of these respects. Among other things, this book helps to show how and why and where the responsibilities lie; how the rule of international law is ignored by the mighty; how the walls are closing in on civil liberties in the supposed bastions of liberal democracy; and what other forms of destruction and infringement on our lives and livelihoods a seemingly unyielding capitalism has in store. As the book makes clear, the prospects are not good for the Global South. The essays that comprise this book deserve a wide readership.—Dr. Theogene Rudasingwa, Former Secretary General of the ruling party of Rwanda; Ambassador to the US; Chief of Staff, Office of the President of Rwanda; and now a prominent opposition leader.
