Deepening convivialism: Ecology, pluriversal knowledges and democratic futures: A comment on the revised convivialist manifesto

This commentary engages with The New Convivialist Manifesto from a Global South perspective, arguing that its commitment to interdependence can be strengthened by grounding convivialism more explicitly in ecological relationships and pluriversal knowledges. It suggests that the Manifesto's critique of neoliberalism should be extended to the longer history of liberalism and possessive individualism, whose assumptions have marginalised traditions of cooperation. More importantly, it argues that recognition should begin with humanity's relationship with nature, since ecological relations shape social, economic and political relations. This perspective brings into view counter-colonial experiences and pluriversal knowledges that have sustained alternative ways of producing, learning, caring and governing. Such knowledges should neither be romanticised nor treated as static ‘traditions’; rather, their continuing adaptation offers resources for imagining climate-resilient and democratic futures. The commentary also proposes that community governance of the commons and locally embedded practices can broaden prevailing understandings of democracy, while a more relational account of identity can move beyond the fragmentation of contemporary recognition politics. It concludes that convivialism can become a compelling common project by engaging with Global South experiences, ecological interdependence, and diverse knowledge systems, while retaining the Manifesto's hopeful, dialogic orientation.