Peter Staudenmayer

Peter Staudenmayer, a historian specializing in far-right environmentalism, dives into Garrett Hardin's impactful yet tragic legacy. They discuss how Hardin’s view linked overpopulation to environmental degradation, sowing the seeds of neo-Malthusian thought. The conversation explores Hardin's controversial advocacy for abortion and immigration limits, which intertwined ecological fears with eugenics. Critiques emerge, highlighting the rise of cooperative commons management models as a counter to Hardin's views, underscoring the ongoing implications of his ideas in today's eco-political landscape.

Peter Staudenmayer, a historian researching far-right environmentalism, and Miroslava Chavez-Garcia, a UC Santa Barbara historian, dive into Garrett Hardin's controversial legacy. They explore how Hardin's ideas on population control and abortion activism shaped environmental politics. The conversation reveals his ties to eugenics and immigration restriction, sparking debates on ethics in environmentalism. They also highlight contrasting views from Eleanor Ostrom that challenge Hardin's pessimistic assumptions, raising questions about our capacity for cooperative governance.

Peter Staudenmayer, a historian from Marquette University, delves into Garrett Hardin's significant yet controversial impact on environmentalism. The discussion highlights Hardin's Malthusian views, linking population control with eco-conservative ideologies. They explore his infamous 'Tragedy of the Commons' and its resonance amidst the 1960s population panic. The conversation also addresses Hardin's anti-immigrant stances and the influence of his ideas on modern far-right environmental rhetoric, ultimately questioning whether humanity is destined for conflict or collaboration.