This book introduces readers to the discipline of ecological political economy, an approach that aims at a theoretical synthesis of nature, production and power relations. At its heart is a critical appreciation of the social institutions and organizations that can provide the basis for strong environmental sustainability. The complex of ecological, political and economic interrelationships are analysed by eleven authors from backgrounds in economics, political theory, political economy, law and theology. Unifying the disparate treatments is each author's commitment to critical reflection in the pursuit of an ever-more informed debate. Key themes include the nature of 'community', the role of civil society in resisting and reforming modern (un)sustainable development, the new place of transnational advocacy networks, the transformative possibilities for the state and new economic institutions. This book will be of special interest to political scientists and economists, as well as geographers, sociologists and students of environmental studies.