ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the authors discuss the origins and background of the Anthropocene concept and explain why it is a research object of political science. They review the evolving political science literature on the Anthropocene and explore what they think could be the key contribution of discipline to the debate on the human age. The authors highlight the implications of the Anthropocene debate for political science. The Anthropocene can be a linchpin in the debate that offers far-reaching opportunities to reflect upon the political and social dimensions of global environmental change. The implications of human-induced global system changes for political science research are diverse. Perceived as a political concept, the Anthropocene can be a linchpin that offers far-reaching opportunities to reflect upon the efficacy and the creative power of humanity. The authors also present an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.
