Even though there has arguably been an increase in the interest in degrowth across the world, certain contexts are almost completely absent from the discussion. In this session we will start filling the gaps by exploring the potential for degrowth in the so called ‘emerging’ (in itself a problematic term) countries. These have opened their doors to growth-oriented capitalism and have the potential for growth, but would usually not be labelled as ‘developed’ or ‘developing’. We will focus on countries with large economies and significant geopolitical positions, which also comprise a substantive part of the world’s population (e.g. around 42% for the BRICS) and territories, as well as natural resources. As the transition to sustainable degrowth requires a combination of solutions on global and local levels, it is particularly important to analyse the potential for degrowth within these contexts and hence to what extent they could be obstacles or facilitators of degrowth. What is the role of economic growth in organising life in these countries and how is it intertwined with other major factors that shape it (e.g. local forms of neoliberalism, corruption, political regimes, neo-colonialism/imperialism)? What understandings of good life do we come across here? Where can we see the potential for degrowth within these contexts (e.g. social movements, lifestyles, policies or histories)? To start addressing these questions, the speakers within this session will present overviews on the growth discourse and degrowth alternatives in selected countries.

This media entry was a contribution to the special session „Degrowth in the 'emerging' economies“ at the 5th International Degrowth Conference in Budapest in 2016.