A POSTCAPITALIST PARADIGM: THE COMMON GOOD OF ...

ture, which is in fact more efficient in the long run than capitalist productivist
agriculture (O. de Schutter, 2011). Legislation requiring the extension
of ‘life expectancy’ for all industrial products would make it
possible to save primary materials and energy and reduce the production
of greenhouse gases (Wim Dierckxsens, 2011).
Finally, in the field of international politics, the struggle against the basic
orientations of the financial institutions, which contradict the principle
of respect for nature, has to be fought on a number of fronts. There is
the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the regional banks
and also the private banks, that are so powerful at this time, when the
world economy is being financialized. The policies of the WTO promoting
the liberalization of the world economy also have ecological implications,
since most of them are implemented without taking externalities
into account. Member states of this international organization have a
huge responsibility in this field; alliances between ecologically conscious
nations could influence decision-making in this body.
The promotion of international conventions is another very important aspect.
For example, there are the conventions on the climate (Cancún),
biodiversity (Bonn and Nagoya), those on the protection of water (rivers
and seas) and of fish, on waste (especially nuclear) among others. The
extent of awareness of this dimension of the new paradigm will be the
basis of the international effectiveness of progressive states, and should
form part of their foreign policy.
The redefinition of the ‘Common Good of Humanity’ in terms of our relationship
with nature is an essential task, considering the ecological
damage already inflicted, with its harmful effects on the regenerating
capacity of the planet and on climate stability. This is a new factor in the
collective conscience, but it is far from being shared among all human
groups. The socialist societies did not really incorporate this dimension
in their planning, as is illustrated in the spectacular economic development
of a country like China, which is being achieved without giving
much attention, at least for the time being, to externalities. A socialism
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