Commons Transition and P2P

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How do we define the Commons? And how can the concept be used to achieve social, political and economic change? This primer explores the potential of the Commons together with Peer to Peer (P2P) to form a system based on the needs of civil society and its environment. This offers a viable alternative to obsolete, centrally planned systems or the amorality of market economies. We look at how basing civil society on P2P dynamics and Commons practices could enable a more egalitarian, just, and environmentally sustainable society.

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About commons transition and p2p

Publication type
Primer

Authors

Authors

  • Michel Bauwens
  • Vasilis Kostakis
  • Stacco Troncoso
  • Ann Marie Utratel

The Commons is a concept and practice that has been steadily gathering increased attention and advocates. Deeply rooted in human history, it’s difficult to settle on a single definition that covers its broad potential for social, economic, cultural and political change. The Commons is now demonstrating its power as a “key ingredient” for sustainable change in diverse locations and contexts around the world.

Basing civil society on P2P dynamics and Commons practices could enable a more egalitarian, just, and environmentally stable society; this is the aim of a Commons transition. The P2P Foundation, with its particular focus on the relationship of the Commons and P2P practices, is supporting this Commons transition by helping to share knowledge and develop tools to create common value and facilitate open, participatory input across society. This short primer explains the Commons and P2P, how they interrelate, their movements and trends, and how a Commons transition is poised to reinvigorate work, politics, production, and care, both interpersonal and environmental.

 

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