Escaping the Logic of Extraction with Maja Göpel - Ecology of Ideas S01E02

None of us would say we want war, poverty, or environmental collapse. And yet, these crises continue to unfold around us. Why is it so hard to collaborate and prevent the very things we all oppose?

In this episode, we’re joined by Maja Göpel, German political economist and transformation researcher, to explore this question. According to Maja, the problem lies in the deep structures of our institutions, which are still shaped by a logic of extraction and a culture of incrementalism. These frameworks limit our ability to respond meaningfully to systemic challenges like climate change.

Maja invites us to imagine new ways of organizing society that break free from small, cautious steps and instead embrace bold, collective transformation rooted in an ecological mindset.

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Reading recommendation: Göpel M. (2023) Rethinking Our World: An Invitation to Rescue Our Future. Scribe Publications.

References:

• Polanyi K. (1944/2024) The Great Transformation: The Political and Economic Origins of Our Time. Penguin Books.
• Meadows D., Randers J., and Meadows D. (2004) Limits to Growth: The 30-Year Update. Chelsea Green House Publishing.
• Botkin J.W., Elmandjra M., and Malitz M. (1979) No Limits to Learning. Club of Rome.
• Meadows D. (2008) Thinking in Systems: A Primer. Chelsea Green House Publishing. (open access)
• Hickel J. (2020) Less is More: How Degrowth Will Save the World. Penguin Books.
• Schelling T.C. (1978) Micromotives and Macrobehavior. W.W. Norton & Co.
• Kasser T. (2002) The High Price of Materialism. MIT Press. (open access)

recorded 8th December 2023

Editing and Post-Production by Emil Munk

Hosted by Attila Márton

Original Music by Ariel Bialksi

Recording by Jakob Ranum

Produced by Attila Márton and Emil Munk

This episode was financially supported by the Copenhagen Business School