Promises of the Political

Promises of the Political offers a critical investigation into whether robust, transformative politics can thrive in an era where technical and managerial governance has largely taken over. In this 232-page exploration, Erik Swyngedouw discusses the concept of post-politicization - a process that sidelines genuine political engagement in favor of streamlined, technocratic decision-making. Drawing on examples of urban uprisings from locations such as Zuccotti Park, Tahrir Square, and protests in Hong Kong, the book examines how these insurgencies have worked to redefine democratic practices. Swyngedouw places urban realities and ecological challenges at the forefront of this discussion, arguing that the shift towards neoliberal planetary urbanization has reshaped both the physical and political landscape. By analyzing how the transformation of cities and natural environments contributes to a depoliticized governance framework, Promises of the Political invites readers to reconsider the potential for a renewed, emancipatory politics. The work poses challenging questions about the future of democracy in a world where the spaces for significant political contestation are continually evolving.