The Upside of Down: Catastrophe Creativity and the Renewal of Civilization

About this book

Environmental disasters. Terrorist wars. Energy scarcity. Economic failure. Is this the worlds inevitable fate a downward spiral that ultimately spells the collapse of societies? Perhaps says acclaimed author Thomas Homer-Dixon - or perhaps these crises can actually lead to renewal for ourselves and planet earth. The Upside of Down takes the reader on a mind-stretching tour of societies management or mismanagement of disasters over time. From the demise of ancient Rome to contemporary climate change this spellbinding book analyzes what happens when multiple crises compound to cause what the author calls "synchronous failure." But crisis doesnt have to mean total global calamity. Through catagenesis or creative bold reform in the wake of breakdown it is possible to reinvent our future. Drawing on the worlds of archeology poetry politics science and economics The Upside of Down is certain to provoke controversy and stir imaginations across the globe. The authors wide-ranging expertise makes his insights and proposals particularly acute as people of all nations try to grapple with how we can survive tomorrows inevitable shocks to our global system. There is no guarantee of success but there are ways to begin thinking about a better world and The Upside of Down is the ideal place to start thinking.