A Theory of Environmental Leadership: Leading for the Earth

In A Theory of Environmental Leadership, Mark Manolopoulos draws on his original model of leading outlined in his cutting-edge book Following Reason to derive and develop the first properly systematic model of eco-leadership.

Suppose humanity’s relation with the Earth may be described in terms of leadership ＂stages＂ or modalities: once upon a time, the Earth led or ruled humanity, and now we humans rule or lead the Earth. When the Earth led, the Earth flourished; now that humankind leads, the Earth flounders - ecological crises multiply and intensify. However, there might be a third stage or modality of leadership: humanity leading for the Earth, leading in a way that allows the world, including humans, to re-flourish. What would be the nature of this truly environmental form of leadership? A Theory of Environmental Leadership identifies and critically analyzes the two basic and incompatible positions associated with the way we construe and interact with the non-human: anthropocentrism (human supremacism) and ecocentrism (ecological egalitarianism). By rigorously analyzing and leveraging this polarity, this book outlines an innovative theory of eco-leadership together with some of its confronting-but-necessary measures.

Expansive and incredibly timely, A Theory of Environmental Leadership is ideal for a range of audiences, from scholars and students of environmental leadership studies to activists and policymakers. The book’s remarkable clarity and engaging character also makes it suitable for the general public.

Dr Mark Manolopoulos is a philosopher. He is a Monash Associate with the School of Languages, Literatures, Cultures and Linguistics at Monash University, and the author of Following Reason: A Theory and Strategy for Rational Leadership (2019), Radical Neo-Enlightenment (2018), and If Creation is a Gift (2009). He is the editor of With Gifted Thinkers (2009) and the author of several journal articles and op-ed pieces.