Environment, Political Representation and the Challenge of Rights

Mihnea Tanasescu is a Research Fellow of the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Belgium. He holds an MA in Philosophy (New School for Social Research, USA) and a PhD in Political Science (VUB). His current research focuses on the politics of environmental restoration.

• Introduction: Voicing 1. Representation: Structure and Meaning 2. The Anatomy of Rights 3. Animals, Nature, Persons 4. The Rights of Nature in Ecuador 5. Local, National, and International Rights of Nature 6. Speaking for Nature 7. Implications and Provocations

'This book opens up new and fascinating territory: it is the first detailed analysis of the idea and legal reality of 'the rights of nature'. What makes it even more interesting is that Tanasescu offers an exceptionally fruitful blend of precise conceptual analysis and thorough empirical research. Not to mention that it is simply a very pleasant read.' - M.L.J. Wissenburg, Radboud University, The Netherlands 'Tanasescu's insightful new book brings together crucial debates around representation, rights and nature, in order to offer a highly innovative and provocative set of arguments on what it can mean to speak for nature. Grounded in excellent case studies, the book navigates the complexities of the rights of nature in a style that is always clear and compelling.' - Michael Saward, Warwick University, UK