New Books in Critical Theory Ian Scoones, "Navigating Uncertainty: Radical Rethinking for a Turbulent World" (Polity, 2024)
Aug 27, 2025
Ian Scoones, a Professorial Fellow at the Institute of Development Studies, shares insights from his upcoming book on navigating uncertainty in today’s world. He challenges traditional risk management, advocating for flexibility and community-centric approaches in development. The conversation highlights the necessity of diverse knowledge systems, critiques conventional economic models, and examines the role of reliability professionals in managing crises. Scoones emphasizes grassroots climate action and the power of local voices in shaping effective responses to environmental challenges.
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Uncertainty As A Condition Of Knowing
- Uncertainty is a condition of knowing, not merely lack of data.
- Embracing complexity requires humility, flexibility, learning, and plural knowledge.
Design For Adaptation Not Control
- Use adaptation, improvisation and learning rather than only top-down control.
- Include multiple knowledges and local experience when designing responses to uncertain problems.
Politics Of Care Versus Control
- Politics of control assumes top-down expert solutions and market or state dominance.
- A politics of care emphasizes relationships, networks, deliberation, and inclusivity.
