Description
Book SynopsisPost-Soviet Latvia and post-apartheid South Africa are far apart geographically and yet have endured a similar history of colonial and authoritarian rule before transitioning to democracy at the end of the 20th century. This book examines these two nations in an unusual comparative study of post-authoritarian efforts to decolonize production and trade. The book combines an analysis of political economy and ecocultural heritage to unpack alternative trade formations. It also connects world systems thinking with Indigenous knowledge to articulate a decolonial theory of development and change over the longue durée. Conclusions and insights drawn are timely and important for a planet confronted by crises such as authoritarianism, laissez-faire capitalism, climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Trade Review“This book advocates development in a disarming way by postulating a theory that enables economic and social growth in a context of environmental harmony and cultural integrity.” George K. Danns, University of North Georgia
“[This innovative book provides] a rich and broad-ranging comparative analysis of the histories and indigenous worldviews shaping engagements in alternative food networks in distant yet connected places. [Jennifer] Keahey’s unique and incisive vision sheds light on the challenges of decolonizing development and inspiring possibilities for emboldening more ‘egalitarian ecocultures’. Laura T. Raynolds, Colorado State University
Table of Contents1. Transformative Societies 2. A Comparative History of Latvia and South Africa 3. Indigenous Baltic Knowledge: Daina Philosophy 4. Indigenous African Knowledge: Ubuntu Philosophy 5. Organic Farming and Slow Food in Post-Soviet Latvia 6. Fair Trade and Rooibos Terroir in Post-Apartheid South Africa 7. Decolonizing Development
