Fourth World Theory and State Collapse
Heidi G.Bruce
Volume 13, Number 2 (2025) 13 (2): 61-66
Keywords Fourth World Theory, Geopolitical Reorganization, Climate Change Mitigation, Standardization, Globalization, Nation-state, State Collapse, Cultural Diversity, Political Recognition, International State System Challenges, Bio-cultural Diversity Impact, Mechanized Industrial Food Complex, Suburban Growth
Abstract
Fourth World theory anticipates the collapse of state systems and emergence of independent nations, advocating geopolitical reorganization to address climate change and other global crises. It critiques state-centrism by distinguishing nations from states, emphasizing Fourth World nations' bio-cultural diversity as essential for climate solutions. The analysis exposes tensions between human diversity and corporate/state standardization, particularly in industrial food systems and suburban development, where globalization erases unique cultural expressions. Urging recognition beyond symbolism, the work proposes alternative political statuses for Fourth World nations to manage ecological affairs. Ultimately, it envisions new geopolitical frameworks prioritizing both Fourth World sovereignty and collective human needs, arguing that such restructuring is vital for effective planetary stewardship.
Heidi G.Bruce
Published August 13, 2025
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
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