Finding Common Ground

An investigation into the commons reveals the wide-ranging spectrum of definitions and applications of this concept that exist across Europe. Yet from the numerous local initiatives, social movements, and governance models associated with this term – is it possible to identify the outline of a commons-based approach that could form the basis of a broad cross-societal response to the failures of the current system?

Articles in this edition

28.11.2016
The Commons: A Quiet Revolution

Editorial: A striking brand of political momentum is building, driven by the resurgence of citizen-led initiatives around the commons...

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28.11.2016
The Time Is Now! Commons From Past to Present: An Interview with Tine De Moor

Tine De Moor takes us through the historical context of the commons.

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28.11.2016
Institutional Diversity for Resilient Societies

A third option to management by the state or the market is explored: management by autonomous citizens.

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28.11.2016
Rethinking the City through the Commons

Green Mayor of Grenoble Eric Piolle on involving citizens in how their city is governed.

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28.11.2016
TINA, Go Home ! The Commons Are Here

The commons can be a useful tool against the fierce neoliberal push taking place in South Eastern Europe.

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28.11.2016
Urban Commons’ Critique of Ownership Institutions: An Insurrection on the Way?

Social geographer Daniela Festa explores the commons within the context of neoliberal expansion in Italy.

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28.11.2016
Digital Commons: Our Shared Right to Knowledge and Culture

MEP & digital commons expert Julia Reda addresses the pertinent question of who owns what is online.

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28.11.2016
How the Commons can Revitalise Europe

How can the EU support the establishment of commons, which could in turn sustain the European project?

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28.11.2016
Taking Back Ownership – Transforming Capital into Commons

What are the different ways resources can be managed and what different outcomes does it lead to?

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28.11.2016
Cry Me a River: Poland’s Threatened Waterways

The Polish government's plans for Poland's rivers would be disastrous - instead, control should be handed to communities.

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28.11.2016
Sowing the Seeds of Resistance

Benjamin Joyeux interviews Indian activist Vandana Shiva about biodiversity, seed patents, and the commons.

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28.11.2016
Nassonia Forest: Into the Common Wild

The Nassonia project in Belgium could be a leading light in common ownership and governance - with a few changes.

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28.11.2016
Cosmic Bonanza – Mining in Outer Space

As some of Earth's resources risk being depleted, could outer space become a source of raw materials in the future?

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