Beyond Benjamin: Reimagining Sustainability and Justice in Post-Colonial, Post-Nationalist Societies

Walter Benjamin’s philosophy provides a rich framework for understanding the interconnectedness and unsustainability of colonialism, nationalism, imperialism, and capitalism. Let’s delve into each:

Colonialism: Benjamin’s perspective would likely highlight the violent imposition of power dynamics inherent in colonial systems. Colonialism disrupts indigenous cultures, exploiting both their resources and labor for the benefit of the colonizers. Its unsustainability lies in its dependence on continual expansion and subjugation, which ultimately leads to resistance and conflict. The legacy of colonialism often persists in post-colonial societies, perpetuating inequalities and social unrest.

Nationalism: Benjamin would likely critique nationalism for its tendency to create artificial divisions among people based on constructed notions of identity. Nationalism often leads to exclusionary practices, fostering xenophobia and conflict. Its unsustainability is evident in the way it can exacerbate tensions between different ethnic or cultural groups, leading to social fragmentation and, in extreme cases, violence.

Imperialism: Benjamin would likely view imperialism as an extension of colonialism, emphasizing its exploitative nature and the unequal distribution of power it creates between imperialist nations and their colonies. Imperialism relies on the domination and control of territories and resources, often at the expense of indigenous populations. Its unsustainability is evident in the resistance movements it sparks and the eventual collapse of imperial systems under the weight of their own contradictions.

Capitalism: Benjamin’s critique of capitalism would likely focus on its commodification of all aspects of life and its relentless pursuit of profit at the expense of human dignity and environmental sustainability. Capitalism thrives on exploitation, inequality, and constant growth, leading to ecological devastation and social inequality. Its unsustainability is becoming increasingly apparent in the form of climate change, economic crises, and social unrest.

Given these critiques, sustainable alternatives must prioritize equity, justice, and environmental stewardship. Some existing examples in modern society include:

Cooperative Economics: Cooperative enterprises, where workers collectively own and manage businesses, offer an alternative to traditional capitalist models. Examples include the Mondragon Corporation in Spain, a federation of worker cooperatives that emphasizes solidarity, democratic decision-making, and social responsibility.

Socialism with Democratic Governance: Systems that prioritize social ownership of the means of production and democratic decision-making can mitigate the inequalities inherent in capitalism. Countries like Sweden and Norway demonstrate how combining socialist policies with democratic governance can lead to high standards of living, strong social safety nets, and sustainable development.

Indigenous Governance Models: Indigenous communities often possess traditional governance systems that prioritize community well-being and environmental stewardship over profit. Examples include the Iroquois Confederacy’s model of consensus-based decision-making and the Maori concept of kaitiakitanga, which emphasizes responsibility for the environment.

Degrowth: Advocates of degrowth argue for reducing consumption and production levels to achieve a more sustainable and equitable society. Instead of pursuing endless economic growth, degrowth focuses on improving quality of life, redistributing wealth, and protecting the environment. Initiatives like the Transition Town movement, which promotes local self-sufficiency and resilience, offer practical examples of degrowth principles in action.

By embracing alternative systems that prioritize human well-being and ecological sustainability, we can move towards a more just and equitable world, transcending the interconnected unsustainability of colonialism, nationalism, imperialism, and capitalism.

Who is Walter Benjamin?

Walter Benjamin’s philosophical focus spans several key areas, including historical materialism, aesthetics, and the critique of modernity. His work often intersects these domains to explore how culture, history, and politics influence and reflect each other. Here are some of the central themes in his philosophy and their relevance to contemporary global politics:

1. Historical Materialism and the Critique of Progress

Benjamin was critical of traditional notions of historical progress, which he saw as linear and deterministic. Instead, he proposed a view of history that emphasizes ruptures, discontinuities, and the experiences of the oppressed. His famous concept of the “Angel of History,” from his essay “Theses on the Philosophy of History,” portrays history as a pile of wreckage, with progress creating as much destruction as it does advancement.

Relevance Today: In the context of global politics, Benjamin’s critique of progress is significant for understanding the impacts of colonialism, imperialism, and global capitalism. These systems often present themselves as progressive but have histories marked by exploitation and violence. Benjamin’s perspective encourages a critical examination of current political and economic systems, questioning who benefits from them and at what cost.

2. Aura and the Mechanical Reproduction of Art

In his seminal essay “The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction,” Benjamin discusses how the reproduction of art through technology changes its aura—the unique presence and authenticity of a work of art. He argues that mass reproduction can democratize art but also potentially commodify it, stripping it of its deeper significance.

Relevance Today: This analysis is crucial for understanding contemporary media and culture. In a world dominated by digital media, social networks, and ubiquitous reproduction of content (eg. NFTs), Benjamin’s ideas help critique the commodification and potential manipulation of culture and information. This is particularly pertinent in discussions about fake news, propaganda, and the role of media in shaping political realities.

3. Myth and Enlightenment

Benjamin, along with his contemporaries like Theodor Adorno, explored the dialectic between myth and enlightenment. They argued that the Enlightenment’s promise of reason and liberation often veils new forms of domination and myth-making.

Relevance Today: This dialectic is evident in global politics through the rhetoric of progress, development, and modernization. Nations and international organizations often justify interventions and policies under the guise of enlightenment and progress, which can perpetuate new forms of hegemony and control. Benjamin’s critique can help unpack these narratives and reveal underlying power dynamics.

4. Allegory and Messianism

Benjamin’s use of allegory and his messianic vision of history emphasize the potential for radical breaks and redemption in history. His idea of the “now-time” (Jetztzeit) represents moments of potential revolutionary change that can interrupt the continuum of history.

Relevance Today: In the face of systemic global issues such as climate change, social inequality, and political instability, Benjamin’s concepts of allegory and messianic time offer a framework for envisioning transformative change. They highlight the possibility for revolutionary moments that can disrupt entrenched systems and open up new futures.

5. Critique of Consumer Culture

Benjamin was one of the early critics of consumer culture, examining how commodification affects human relations and experiences. His analysis of the arcades of Paris as sites of consumer fantasy is a critical exploration of early consumer culture.

Relevance Today: In an age of rampant consumerism and the omnipresence of advertising, Benjamin’s insights into consumer culture are highly relevant. They allow for a critique of how consumerism shapes identities, societal values, and political ideologies, often distracting from pressing global issues like environmental sustainability and social justice.

Conclusion

Walter Benjamin’s philosophical focus provides a multifaceted lens through which to analyze and critique contemporary global politics. His ideas encourage a deeper examination of historical narratives, cultural dynamics, and the pervasive influence of capitalist and imperialist structures. By applying Benjamin’s critical theories, we can gain a better understanding of the complexities of global politics and potentially find new pathways for transformative change and justice.

Additional Readings

English Translations

1. Benjamin, W. (1968). Illuminations (H. Arendt, Ed., & H. Zohn, Trans.). New York, NY: Harcourt, Brace & World.
2. Benjamin, W. (1977). The Origin of German Tragic Drama (J. Osborne, Trans.). London: NLB.
3. Benjamin, W. (1986). Reflections: Essays, Aphorisms, Autobiographical Writings (P. Demetz, Ed., & E. Jephcott, Trans.). New York, NY: Schocken Books.
4. Benjamin, W. (1996). Selected Writings, Volume 1: 1913-1926 (M. Bullock & M. W. Jennings, Eds.). Cambridge, MA: Belknap Press of Harvard University Press.
5. Benjamin, W. (1999). Selected Writings, Volume 2: 1927-1934 (M. W. Jennings, H. Eiland, & G. Smith, Eds.). Cambridge, MA: Belknap Press of Harvard University Press.
6. Benjamin, W. (c.1999). The Arcades Project (R. Tiedemann, Ed., & H. Eiland & K. McLaughlin, Trans.). Cambridge, MA: Belknap Press of Harvard University Press.
7. Benjamin, W. (c.2006). Selected Writings, Volume 3: 1935-1938 (M. W. Jennings, H. Eiland, & G. Smith, Eds.). Cambridge, MA: Belknap Press of Harvard University Press.
8. Benjamin, W. (2019). The Storyteller: Tales out of Loneliness (S. L. Gilloch, S. Gilloch, & S. Nowak, Trans.). New York, NY: New York Review Books Classics.

Edited Collections and Other Works

1. Benjamin, W. (1994). Early Writings, 1910-1917 (H. Eiland, Trans.). Cambridge, MA: Belknap Press of Harvard University Press.