Explorations in environmental political theory : thinking about what we value /

Environmental political theory is a relatively new field, and Kassiola (San Francisco State Univ.) intends this fine anthology "to demonstrate the contribution political theory can make in understanding the environmental crisis, its origins, and a possible resolution." To that end, these nine essays explore the role of political values in contributing to and possibly emerging from pressing contemporary environmental problems. Kassiola contributes two of the nine essays, with an original examination of the role of modernity in the environmental crisis and a final chapter that integrates the book's various themes, along with an afterword on the events of September 11 and an extensive recommended readings section. Also included are chapters by Milbrath and Pirages on sustainable society, examinations of environmentalism as forms of progressive ideology by Paehlke and Zimmerman, a critical essay on green utopianism by Dobson, Goodin's articulation of a green theory of value, and an essay by McLaughlin on industrialism and deep ecology. The selections are uniformly excellent and are written by leading environmental political theorists. While relatively short, this anthology is wide-ranging and current and should prove useful for those seeking access to this emerging field. ^BSumming Up: Highly recommended. General readers and undergraduate students. S. Vanderheiden University of Minnesota--Duluth