ABSTRACT
After considering the standard theory of collective action, this chapter introduces the concept of merging collective action - aimed at understanding a complex non-linear world. The core of the argument is that nowadays it is possible to see leadership without leaders, and strategy without strategists. The world is changing radically, as it happens. An analogy of emergent collective action (ECA) is swarm intelligence. Closely related to it, self-organization appears as a central feature of emergent collective action. A number of cases of ECA around the world can be observed, and these cases are shown and considered in this text. The rationale for ECA consists in making our world possible towards the future, something that certainly is not to be taken for granted. What is ultimately at stake is the life of the planet, the very future of life.
