Food coalitions beyond the local scale: spaces for a democratic sustainability transformation

The uneven distribution of benefits of globalisation and the weakened ability of commodity chains to respond to external shocks, such as economic crises or the Covid-19 pandemic, have challenged the current globalised commodity chains. As a consequence, individuals, communities and companies are developing new models of globalised commodity chains that claim to be more environmentally sustainable, promote social welfare, create transparency and increase democratic control. However, there is no scientific evidence on whether they contribute to an alternative, democratic vision of sustainability or rather follow an agenda of eco-authoritarianism. To address this gap, this research project aims to gain a deeper understanding of new forms of governance to address global challenges, using alternative global food chains as an example. The project conceptualises alternative global food chains as Trans-Local Food Coalitions (TLFCs), representing alternative models of globalisation that consider democratic and sustainability implications. The research combines different approaches of empirical social research, including mapping, survey, and qualitative case studies, in a comparative perspective. The main results from this empirical study will provide a typology of TLFCs, a consolidated conceptual framework of governance, democracy and sustainability in TLFCs, a comparative analysis of TLFCs, and practical, individual case study analyses for each TLFC. By focusing on TLFCs and their trans-local dynamics, this research aims to contribute to advance knowledge in sustainability transformation by exploring how trans-local trade networks can promote a democratic vision of long-term sustainability despite geographical distances and varying local contexts. In summary, this research project intents not only to deepen theoretical understandings of transformative governance but also to offer practical insights that can inform policy and practice in global trade networks. By studying TLFCs in the German-Swiss-Austrian region, the project seeks to path the way for more democratic and sustainable global trade practices in the face of contemporary challenges.