The Politics of Future Scenarios

• In Event: Future of Politics and Politics of the Future - II

Abstract

Politicians use the media to communicate their visions of the future to the masses, but how is the future used to shape the visions of the politicians? For decades, Shell Oil and Gas has openly published sets of scenarios in order to frame conversations with policy makers. Countermovements are now taking a similar approach: Advocates for decarbonization are designing and developing scenarios to expand the Environmental Control Areas (ECAs) in the North and Baltic Seas, enrolling scenarios as allies in engagement. Using a case of the Baltic Interreg PERISCOPE project, in which the author was functioning as a consultant and author of the scenarios, the author describes how the scenarios were negotiated into being by the advocacy group.

Author

• Matthew Spaniol, Arhus University