Author: Benjamin H. Bratton File Type: mobi What has planetary-scale computation done to our geopolitical realities? It takes different forms at different scales -- from energy and mineral sourcing and subterranean cloud infrastructure to urban software and massive universal addressing systems from interfaces drawn by the augmentation of the hand and eye to users identified by self -- quantification and the arrival of legions of sensors, algorithms, and robots. Together, how do these distort and deform modern political geographies and produce new territories in their own image? In The Stack, Benjamin Bratton proposes that these different genres of computation -- smart grids, cloud platforms, mobile apps, smart cities, the Internet of Things, automation -- can be seen not as so many species evolving on their own, but as forming a coherent whole an accidental megastructure called The Stack that is both a computational apparatus and a new governing architecture. We are inside The Stack and it is inside of us. In an account that is both theoretical and technical, drawing on political philosophy, architectural theory, and software studies, Bratton explores six layers of The Stack Earth, Cloud, City, Address, Interface, User. Each is mapped on its own terms and understood as a component within the larger whole built from hard and soft systems intermingling -- not only computational forms but also social, human, and physical forces. This model, informed by the logic of the multilayered structure of protocol stacks, in which network technologies operate within a modular and vertical order, offers a comprehensive image of our emerging infrastructure and a platform for its ongoing reinvention. The Stack is an interdisciplinary design brief for a new geopolitics that works with and for planetary-scale computation. Interweaving the continental, urban, and perceptual scales, it shows how we can better build, dwell within, communicate with, and govern our worlds.

Author: Karen T. Litfin File Type: pdf In a world of dwindling natural resources and mounting environmental crisis, who is devising ways of living that will work for the long haul? And how can we, as individuals, make a difference? To answer these fundamental questions, Professor Karen Litfin embarked upon a journey to many of the worlds ecovillages intentional communities at the cutting-edge of sustainable living. From rural to urban, high tech to low tech, spiritual to secular, she discovered an under-the-radar global movement making positive and radical changes from the ground up. In this inspiring and insightful book, Karen Litfin shares her unique experience of these experiments in sustainable living through four broad windows - ecology, economics, community, and consciousness - or E2C2. Whether we live in an ecovillage or a city, she contends, we must incorporate these four key elements if we wish to harmonize our lives with our home planet. Not only is another world possible, it is already being born in small pockets the world over. These micro-societies, however, are small and time is short. Fortunately - as Litfin persuasively argues - their successes can be applied to existing social structures, from the local to the global scale, providing sustainable ways of living for generations to come. You can learn more about Karens experiences on the Ecovillages website httpecovillagebook.org**ReviewIn lively, honest and reflective prose, Litfin offers deep insightinto how this research project has been part of her own mission ofliving more sustainably. While Litfin provides us with a range ofpractical information about the principles of ecovillage organising including countless nuggets of inspiration that will beuseful to anyone, not just those intending to live in communities she also puts forward a theoretical framework for analysingthese emerging ways of sustainable living. Times Higher Education If you cant take a year off to visit ecovillages around theworld, this marvel of a book is the next best thing. Itsactually even better for the carbon it saves, the questions itasks, and the wisdom it shares. Karen Litfins journeyenlivens our understanding of the Great Turning. I am eager toshare it with all my students and fellow teachers. Joanna Macy, author of *Active Hope How to Face the MessWere in Without Going Crazy* This book offers a unique opportunity to compare several different forms of sustainable communities around the world, giving us a glimpse of the best practices and challenges of the global ecovillage movement. Environment Magazine In these times of political gridlock and myopia, Karen Litfinstremendously engaging and informative exploration of eco-villagesaround the world points the way to a viable and attractive futurevery different from the bleak place to which we are now headed. Youwill enjoy this book! James Gustave Speth, author of *America the PossibleManifesto for New Economy* Ecovillages offers that rarest of gifts wisdom. It asksnot simply how to address the build-up of carbon, dwindling ofspecies, and toxification of our world, but how we can livetogether joyously on a single earth. Among the books many beautiesis that it is written from the wellspring of experience andexpressed through Litfins hands, voice, and soul. Paul Wapner, American University The world is in for a major transition, a huge downshift, ready ornot. For those inclined to roll up their sleeves and get ready (asopposed to lament the trends and decry business as usual),ecovillages can offer insight and hope. As Litfin shows in thiscompelling book, they exemplify an affirmative politics, apolitics at once ecological, economic, community-oriented andspiritual. Ecovillages arent for everyone, but in theseuncertain times, their lessons may be. Thomas Princen, University of Michigan Karen Litfin is a perceptive, thoughtful, and gifted observer ofthe human predicament. In writing Ecovillages, Litfincombines her intellectual prowess with her sensitivity andcompassion to tell a hugely important and inspiring story. Chris Uhl, Professor of Biology at Penn State and author of*Developing Ecological Consciousness* Karen Litfin has not only written a book of great importance toall of us at this pivotal moment in history, she has also done itin a way that is lively, moving, informative and compelling. Thisfirst-rate book deserves to reach the widest possible audience wemust pay attention to it if we are going to thrive as a species onthis fragile planet. Nina Wise, author of *A Big New Free Happy UnusualLife* Ecovillages have for many years acted as micro-laboratories forbuilding a low carbon, post-growth society. But what can we learnfrom them? How much of ecovillage life is scaleable and replicable?Karen Litfin set out to find out, and her learnings and insightsare invaluable. We owe her road trip and her research a great deal,there is much wisdom and treasure here! *Rob Hopkins, author of The Transition Handbook From OilDependency to Local Resilience An inspiring and instructive journey to the wide range ofcommunities pioneering a sustainable global future. Jakob von Uexkull, founder of the Right LivelihoodAward and former member of the European Parliament Nature teaches us that nothing disappears when it dies, itmerely becomes something new. Karen Litfins lucid and heartfeltbook reveals the new life emerging in the cracks of failingsystems. Through her eyes, we meet people everywhere who arebuilding high-joy, low-impact communities. Litfin is the perfectguide intellectually rigorous, spiritually awake and deeplycaring. If you want to create a richer, gentler life for yourselfand your community, read this book! Vicki Robin, bestselling author of Your Money or YourLife and Blessing the Hands that Feed Us**** Karen Litfin understands that today we need inspiration as muchas information, to forge the vibrant communities that will carry usinto an enduring future. The success stories she brings to life arejust what we need to revivify our existing communities on a planetperched at the precipice. Kurt Hoelting, author of The Circumference of Home One MansYearlong Quest for a Radically Local Life *One of the most powerful questions asked of us by our worldcrisis is, How can we live together in ways that allow us to bethe change together? Karen Litfins book gives us answers. Theseecovillage experiments idealistic, imperfect, courageous,creative and honestly described - will help us transform ourconsciousness and find our way forward. Terry Patten, co-author (with Ken Wilber) of Integral LifePractice About the Author Karen Litfin is associate professor of political science at the University of Washington.