English

[English] A Remarkable Question: Is It Possible To Bring Economic Incentives To Environmentality?

[English] A Remarkable Question: Is It Possible To Bring Economic Incentives To Environmentality?

This article uses Foucaultian poststructuralist method of analysis. In order to understand different positions in contemporary debates. It delves into what kind of environmentality or governmentality can sustain biodiversity conservation policy. The author’s analysis of Foucaultian governmentality is also noteworthy. Developments in recent years have highlighted a CBC-centered approach. There have been calls for a return to a conservationist paradigm. It is often based on a deep ecology perspective to connect with wild places. Fletcher undertakes a detailed analysis in this context. Foucault articulates models of neoliberal, disciplinary, sovereign, truth govermentality that sometimes conflict and sometimes coexist.

It is important to emphasize that Foucault does not propose neoliberal environmentality. Furthermore, he only analyzes the existing situation. Neoliberalism is analyzed not as a capitalist economic process but as a much broader phenomenon. That governs human action in various fields.

In this context, the concepts of “Neoliberal Conservation” and “Neoliberal Governmentality” are utilized. “Neoliberal Conservation” emerges as an attempt. In order to apply some of the solutions of neoliberal economics to environmental protection. “Neoliberal Governmentality” is the use of the elements of neoliberal strategy. Those are used in the art of governance. According to Foucault, neoliberalism does not promise eternal freedom. But it gives rather a state of constant vigilance and intervention.

According to Foucault, these interventions can be classified as “Regulatory Actions” and “Organizing Actions”. Therefore, Foucault analyzes the system as “minimum economic interventionism, maximum legal interventionism”.

Accordingly, there are various approaches to how individuals can be manipulated:
I) Disciplinary approach II) Neoliberal approach.

Moreover, while the disciplinary approach seeks to solve the problem of overpopulation by deeming out-of-wedlock pregnancies shameful and improper, the neoliberal approach plans to reduce welfare benefits for the children born.

D.Harvey’s effect

Political ecologists, draw on the work of D.Harvey in opposing neoliberal environmentality. Harvey, of course, does not claim that this renders state institutions irrelevant.  Foucault in his analysis frames this as an ideological superstructure or a new art of governance.

All in all, in the context of that, this is said to leave nature under the influence of corporations, commodify the world, cause resource erosion and violate human rights.

Above all, in one of the criticisms, McCauley argues methods based on market mechanisms, based on economic impulses, are not the answer, and that a solution should be sought for long-term gains by considering ethics and aesthetics.

Although subjected to criticisms, this article, using a Foucaultian poststructuralist method of analysis, provides an important analysis of environmental protection policies and the views expressed on the subject.

Att. Semih TEMIZER