In this new episode of the IDS podcast Between the Lines, IDS Research Fellow John Gaventa interviews Ben Jackson and Harriet Lamb, authors of the book From Anger to Action: Inside the Global Movements for Social Justice, Peace, and a Sustainable Planet.
Questions asked amongst others include: What inspired you to write this book and what brought the two of you together to do so? Can you explain the philosophy in the book: battle, build and believe – what is important about each of these in terms of citizen action?
Listen now
About the book
From Anger to Action tells the stories of the citizens’ movements charting new paths to tackle the big global challenges that lie behind the political upheavals of our times. Drawing on candid insights from citizens, activists, and innovators, and their own experiences as leaders of internationally recognized advocacy organizations, the authors give an insider account of the battle for change and how it can be won – as well as trenchant criticism of where traditional civil society has lost its way and needs renewal. While unflinching on the dangers of the current political crises, the book offers hard-edged hope and a vision for citizen-led change to reshape our fractured politics.
The authors met communities in economically-battered towns welcoming refugees and Syrian peacebuilders reaching across impossible divides, go behind the scenes with Fairtrade banana farmers and hear of frenzied climate campaigners pushing divestment from oil companies and using social media to drive change. Lamb and Jackson explore how citizens’ movements are transforming our global politics, refashioning internationalism and fighting back against narrow nationalism. The book analyses why some movements secure lasting change – and others fail. And they show how these insights could shape a wider strategy for grassroots-up transformation.
From Anger to Action will be of interest to social activists and anyone interested in social movements, global change, and civil society.
You can buy the book here.
About the authors
Ben Jackson has had a distinguished career working on foreign affairs and international development networks, including serving as CEO for the Bond Network for international development NGOs.
Harriet Lamb is CEO of Ashden who support climate solutions in the UK and internationally.
About the interviewer
Professor John Gaventa is a political sociologist, educator and civil society practitioner with over 40 years of experience in research, teaching and organisational leadership in North and South. He is currently a Research Fellow at the Institute of Development Studies and Director of the Action for Empowerment and Accountability (A4EA) research programme.
About Between the Lines
Discussing the latest ideas shaping development.
This podcast series explores books with ideas for positive social and environmental change. Each month we feature a book and an interview with its author. The discussions give an insight on the themes covered in the book, exploring the challenges and discoveries, and why the issues matter for progressive and sustainable development globally.
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