What is the Psychology of Ecofascism?
A Bibliography

When apparent stability disintegrates,
As it must-
God is Change-
People tend to give in
To fear & depression,
To need & greed.
When no influence is strong enough to unify people
They divide.
They struggle,
One against one,
Group against group,
For survival, position, power.

- Octavia Butler, Parable of the Sower

Ecofascism has been defined in a number of different ways. Here, we use the term to describe to the rise of authoritarianism in response to environmental stress, or in response fears of resource scarcity resulting from environmental change. Among rich nations like the U.S. and parts of Europe, these responses tend to be founded on isolationist, racist and white supremacist ideologies.

In 1933, psychiatrist Wilhelm Reich published The Mass Psychology of Fascism, seeking to explain, from a psychological perspective, why and under what circumstances populations opt for authoritarianism even when it is not in their interests. Now, more than 80 years later, the climate crisis threatens to put extreme stress on the resources, economies, and borders of nation states. In times of perceived crisis or threat, the public is more likely to be accept or tolerate authoritarian responses built on racism and isolationism. As fears of an unstable and disrupted future rise, there is a great risk that democratic principles will be sacrificed for the safe of ‘security’.

Like Reich, we believe that it is essential to look at ecofascism from a psychological perspective (among other perspectives) so that we can be better prepared for the pressures our societies, communities, and selves will come under as the impacts of climate crisis escalate. The more we understand the psychology of racism, isolationism, and fascism on an individual and community level, the better prepared we will be to present alternative visions for the future.

Below, we have compiled a list of books, articles, and resource lists about ecofascism.

Resource Lists:

News, Academic Articles, and Videos: