Zu heiß für Demokratie? Eine Neubetrachtung Montesquieus politischer Klimatheorie - Beckstein, Martin (Politische Vierteljahresschrift, 2024)
Too hot for democracy? A reconsideration of Montesquieu’s political theory of climate. Contemporary political theory often discards Montesquieu’s political theory of climate. It is generally viewed as misguided and potentially offensive due to its perceived associations with Eurocentric and racist stereotypes, as well as its seeming justification of colonial injustice. However, this paper argues that Montesquieu’s political theory of climate warrants a reevaluation for at least three reasons. First, the theory is more complex than is often believed. Second, it makes more sense than is commonly held. Third, it prompts intriguing inquiries about the challenges of integrating scientific findings from diverse fields and about implications of the human factor in relation to climate change.
Published: 07 August 2023
Keywords: journalArticle