"How can we use tools from culture and religion to inspire a sustainable future?"

I explore the role of what I call "spirited" elements in inspiring people to take political and ecological action: elements like myth, ritual, drama, magic, tradition and play. I am led by political and theoretical interests rather than disciplinary constraints, and I draw on tools from philosophy, religious studies, theatre studies, sociology and anthropology. For my most recent thoughts, check out my blog.

On a personal level, my research journey was kickstarted during the English riots of 2011. I was blown away by the energy of these actions but saddened by their violence and lack of direction. I wanted to know how movements could harness that same energy towards lasting and effective campaigns for political and ecological transformation. I have continued working simultaneously with policymakers, activists and artists ever since. 

The core argument running throughout my work is that modern, liberal societies and institutions have dispensed with spirited elements at their peril. Prioritising a highly rationalised approach to problem-solving and policy implementation stewarded by highly educated elites, liberals have lost touch with what motivates people to take action, and lost ground to populists who are much better at spinning narratives, staging interventions, and making people feel involved. All of my work is devoted to identifying the sources of this problem and to remobilising spirit in the name of a future that is just, abundant and meaningful. At the beginning of my career, I was primarily interested in economic justice. At present, my focus is on addressing mass extinction and climate change.

My latest book, Saving Liberalism from Itself: The Spirit of Political Participation (Bristol University Press) explains how liberalism lost touch with spirited elements and how they can be recovered. 

My most recent articles are focused on the role of spirited elements in inspiring pathways to sustainability. Alongside theoretical work, I spend a lot of time working with policymakers and collaborating with activists and artists, seeking to understand how we can work together across sectors to influence change. I help in conjuring myths, designing rituals, capturing magic and developing traditions in settings as diverse as policymaking, activism and farming.