Authenticity and Radicalization: Cultural Shifts in Environmental Activism
Authenticity and Radicalization: Cultural Shifts in Environmental Activism
Friday, 11 July 2025: 11:00
Location: SJES027 (Faculty of Legal, Economic, and Social Sciences (JES))
Oral Presentation
This paper examines why contemporary environmental movements increasingly adopt radical tactics, arguing that this shift stems not only from perceived failures of non-violent protests but also from deeper cultural and theoretical influences. Using performative theory and works by John Austin, Jacques Derrida, and Judith Butler, the study views protest as a performative act within social movements' tactical repertoire. It emphasizes protests' embodied nature, performative effects, emotional resonance, and ritualistic aspects. Butler's concept of performativity—as shaping individuals and transforming norms—frames protest as active contestation.
Drawing on ideas from Teemu Paavolainen and David Graeber, the paper explores the tension between the political ontology of violence—where states and corporations maintain structures through force—and the political ontology of imagination, enabling envisioning alternative worlds. It posits that this tension drives the shift toward radical tactics.
A key factor in this transformation is anti-theatrical prejudice—a scepticism toward choreographed actions perceived as inauthentic. Drawing on Julia Peetz's analysis of populism's counter-theatricality, the paper examines how populist movements reject traditional theatricality to project authenticity and challenge established norms. Similarly, the perceived ineffectiveness of imaginative, non-violent protests may be linked to cultural shifts favouring directness and authenticity.
This change in protest forms mirrors populist politics by seeking greater authenticity and directness. Less choreographed, more intuitive actions express genuine emotions and urgency, rejecting conventional performances orchestrated by others. These grassroots protests aim to appear organic and bottom-up.
To test this hypothesis, the paper analyzes current ecological movements in Eastern Europe. It focuses on how cultural perceptions of authenticity and directness influence environmental activists' tactical choices. By exploring the impact of anti-theatrical prejudices and incorporating Peetz's insights on populism's counter-theatricality, the study sheds light on the increasing adoption of radical tactics and discusses broader implications for social movements seeking effective strategies for change.
Drawing on ideas from Teemu Paavolainen and David Graeber, the paper explores the tension between the political ontology of violence—where states and corporations maintain structures through force—and the political ontology of imagination, enabling envisioning alternative worlds. It posits that this tension drives the shift toward radical tactics.
A key factor in this transformation is anti-theatrical prejudice—a scepticism toward choreographed actions perceived as inauthentic. Drawing on Julia Peetz's analysis of populism's counter-theatricality, the paper examines how populist movements reject traditional theatricality to project authenticity and challenge established norms. Similarly, the perceived ineffectiveness of imaginative, non-violent protests may be linked to cultural shifts favouring directness and authenticity.
This change in protest forms mirrors populist politics by seeking greater authenticity and directness. Less choreographed, more intuitive actions express genuine emotions and urgency, rejecting conventional performances orchestrated by others. These grassroots protests aim to appear organic and bottom-up.
To test this hypothesis, the paper analyzes current ecological movements in Eastern Europe. It focuses on how cultural perceptions of authenticity and directness influence environmental activists' tactical choices. By exploring the impact of anti-theatrical prejudices and incorporating Peetz's insights on populism's counter-theatricality, the study sheds light on the increasing adoption of radical tactics and discusses broader implications for social movements seeking effective strategies for change.