A Reply to Our Critics

Abstract: This essay identifies four broad themes in the responses--by Ross Mittiga, Elisabeth Ellis, Thea Riofrancos, and Emilie Hafner-Burton and colleagues--to "Resisting the Authoritarian Temptation." First, this essay reiterates the utter seriousness with which the authors take the climate threat and the need for energy transition. Second, it strongly resists the charge that eco-authoritarianism is a strawman. Third, it addresses the critique that the authors have underplayed the fossil-fuel industry's role in climate politics, in both democratic and authoritarian contexts. And finally, the essay reassures our critics that we by no means endorse the institutional status quo. On the contrary, as "Resisting the Authoritarian Temptation" concludes, a key democratic strength is institutional dynamism and flexibility in the face of novel challenges. Climate change is a gargantuan challenge, but democracy offers the best available toolkit to address it.