STWR - Share The World's Resources

Considering the biophysical limits of the Earth, the notion that growth can continue indefinitely is absurd. The only option is to create a steady-state economy aimed at maintaining a sufficient stock of real wealth to sustain the population and the environment, argues Herman Daly.

A persistent pattern of violence is inherent in the institutional structure of our existing economy. We need a top to bottom redesign to build a new economic system that shares power and resources for the well-being of all, argues David Korten.

The financial crisis has forced a global recognition of the unstable, unequal and unsustainable nature of our current development model. An opportunity now exists to build a new economic system that is genuinely democratic and people-oriented, writes Jayati Ghosh.

Thinkers and activists met in Germany to discuss the potential for an alternative paradigm for development based on a shared interest in the commons - a retreat that represented one of the most intensive and sophisticated dialogues about contemporary commons ever held, writes David Bollier.

The global financial crisis has further exposed the fundamental flaws of economic globalization. A "deglobalization" paradigm based on shared principles of alternative economics is needed to re-embed the economy in society, rather than having society driven by the economy, writes Walden Bello.

Commons-based societies flourished for centuries until they were destroyed by the privatisation of formerly shared resources. Modern technology is creating new commons based societies like the free software community - indicating a renaissance of 'commonism', writes Christian Siefkes.

The use of economic growth theory as a magic elixir towards 'development' fails to meet social goals such as the eradication of poverty and hunger. Two articles below argue that economic alternatives are both necessary, and possible.