Jason Hickel

Jason Hickel is an anthropologist at the London School of Economics. His first books, Democracy as Death (2015) and Ekhaya (2014), explore the cultural dimensions of political conflict in South Africa. In addition to his regional ethnographic work, Hickel writes on global development and political economy, contributing regularly to The Guardian, Al Jazeera, and other popular outlets. His work has been funded by Fulbright, the National Science Foundation, the Wenner-Gren Foundation, the Charlotte Newcombe Foundation, and the Leverhulme Trust. 

Current publication: LESS IS MORE: How Degrowth Will Save the World – William Heinemann - 13 Aug 2020

A Financial Times Book of the Year

The world has finally awoken to the reality of climate breakdown and ecological collapse. Now we must face up to its primary cause: capitalism. Our economic system is based on perpetual expansion, which is devastating the living world. There is only one solution that will lead to meaningful and immediate change: degrowth.

If we want to have a shot at surviving the Anthropocene, we need to restore the balance. We need to change how we see the world and our place within it, shifting from a philosophy of domination and extraction to one that’s rooted in reciprocity with our planet’s ecology. We need to evolve beyond the dusty dogmas of capitalism to a new system that’s fit for the twenty-first century.

But what about jobs? What about health? What about progress? This book tackles these questions and offers an inspiring vision for what a post-capitalist economy could look like. An economy that’s more just, more caring, and more fun. An economy that enables human flourishing while reversing ecological breakdown. By taking less, we can become more.

Praise:

'A powerfully disruptive book for disrupted times ... If you're looking for transformative ideas, this book is for you.' Kate Raworth, economist and author of Doughnut Economics

'A masterpiece... Less is More covers centuries and continents, spans academic disciplines, and connects contemporary and ancient events in a way which cannot be put down until it's finished.' - Danny Dorling, Professor of Geography, University of Oxford

'Jason is able to personalise the global and swarm the mind in the way that insects used to in abundance but soon shan't unless we are able to heed his beautifully rendered warning.' - Russell Brand

'Jason Hickel shows that recovering the commons and decolonizing nature, cultures, and humanity are necessary conditions for hope of a common future in our common home.' Vandanda Shiva, author of Making Peace With the Earth

'This is a book we have all been waiting for. Jason Hickel dispels ecomodernist fantasies of "green growth". Only degrowth can avoid climate breakdown. The facts are indisputable and they are in this book.' Giorgis Kallis, author of Degrowth

'Capitalism has robbed us of our ability to even imagine something different; Less is More gives us the ability to not only dream of another world, but also the tools by which we can make that vision real.' Asad Rehman, director of War on Want

'One of the most important books I have read ... does something extremely rare: it outlines a clear path to a sustainable future for all.' Raoul Martinez, author of Creating Freedom

'Jason Hickel takes us on a profound journey through the last 500 years of capitalism and into the current crisis of ecological collapse. Less is More is required reading for anyone interested in what it means to live in the Anthropocene, and what we can do about it.' Alnoor Ladha, co-founder of The Rules

'Excellent analysis...This book explores not only the systemic flaws but the deeply cultural beliefs that need to be uprooted and replaced.' Adele Walton 

Praise for THE DIVIDE - 17th May, 2018

'This book will radically change the way in which you understand the workings of the global economic system and the challenges faced by poor countries trying to advance within it.’ - Ha-Joon Chang, author of 23 Things They Don't Tell You About Capitalism and Economics: The User's Guide

"A sharply argued analysis of the traditional explanations for wealth and poverty in the world, offering a program for easing misery while addressing structural inequalities." - Kirkus

‘We all like to think of aid and development as benign in a world full of inequality and violence. Jason Hickel rightly challenges this dangerous myth with a book that crackles with facts, indignation and heart.' - Antony Loewenstein, author of Disaster Capitalism: Making A Killing Out Of Catastrophe

‘The Divide is myth busting at its best. The West has controlled the rest through colonies, coups, cash (debt), corrupt commerce (unfair trade and unhelpful aid), conscience cleansing charity and climate change. Poor countries are made poor by this; but a dramatic change is coming.’ - Danny Dorling, author of Inequality and the 1%

‘The Divide provides an evolutionary leap in our understanding of inequality and poverty. It should be required reading for anyone hoping to realize a better world.’ - Alnoor Jadha, Board Member of Greenpeace and Executive Director of The Rules

‘Written in a captivating and easy to read style, this book must become the standard text for everyone studying, working or interested in development.’ - Firoze Manji, author of African Awakening

‘Hickel explains how current models of Western development and philanthropy have actually made the problem worse, as if they were designed explicitly to support entrenched structures of power and privilege. The book is ultimately an outcry for a new politics based on empathy and shared responsibility.’ - Daniel Pinchbeck, author of How Soon is Now?