Abolitionism in a Chaotic World: A Vision for a Just Future

As the world grapples with seemingly endless crises—wars in Ukraine and elsewhere, widespread protests in France and the United Kingdom, ongoing political instability in Georgia, and deep polarization in the United States—many wonder: Is this the best humanity can do?

From climate change to social inequality, systemic oppression to environmental collapse, the threads of chaos often feel unrelenting. Yet amid the uncertainty, the abolitionist philosophy offers a beacon of hope—a vision of a world rooted in justice, compassion, and sustainability for all beings, human and non-human alike.

The Common Threads of Injustice

The issues gripping the world today may seem disconnected, but they share a common root: systems built on exploitation, domination, and short-term gain at the expense of long-term well-being.

• In Ukraine, war ravages communities and ecosystems alike, reminding us of the devastating cost of resource-driven conflicts.

• In France and the UK, protests against austerity and inequality underscore the growing divide between the powerful and the powerless.

• In Georgia, political unrest reveals the fragility of democratic institutions when justice is compromised.

• In the USA, environmental disasters, systemic racism, and political polarization highlight the urgent need for reform on all fronts.

Across all these challenges lies the same fundamental question: What kind of future do we want to create?

The Abolitionist Vision: A Global Transformation

An abolitionist future recognizes that injustice anywhere enables injustice everywhere. By dismantling systems of oppression—whether they exploit animals, humans, or the environment—we create a foundation for global peace and resilience.

1. Ending War and Exploitation:

Just as abolitionism calls for the liberation of animals, it also rejects the exploitation of humans and natural resources for profit or power. An abolitionist future would prioritize diplomacy, sustainability, and resource equity over competition and conflict.

2. Uniting Social and Environmental Justice:

The abolitionist approach acknowledges that the exploitation of animals fuels climate change, which in turn exacerbates poverty, displacement, and inequality. By transitioning to plant-based systems and rejecting violence in all forms, we create a healthier planet and a fairer society.

3. Rebuilding Trust in Institutions:

From Georgia to the U.S., faith in governments is crumbling. Abolitionism demands transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership—qualities that foster trust and collaboration rather than division.

4. A Universal Declaration of Freedom:

Just as the 13th Amendment abolished slavery in the U.S., an abolitionist global movement would declare freedom for all sentient beings, ending commodification and exploitation in every form. This foundational shift would ripple through economic, social, and political systems, creating a world where justice truly knows no borders.

What an Abolitionist World Could Look Like

Imagine a world where:

• Conflict gives way to cooperation, as resources are shared sustainably and fairly.

• Cities are powered by renewable energy, and ecosystems thrive, freed from the destruction of animal agriculture.

• Communities celebrate diversity and compassion, erasing borders of species, race, and nationality.

• Every decision—political, economic, or social—is made through the lens of justice and sustainability, ensuring the well-being of future generations. This isn’t a utopian fantasy. It’s the logical outcome of applying abolitionist principles to the challenges we face today.

The Call to Action

Abolition Day reminds us that change is possible, even in the face of overwhelming odds. If abolitionists of the past could end human slavery, then today’s movement can bring about a world free from exploitation and destruction. But it requires each of us to take action:

• Challenge Systems: Question the norms and institutions that perpetuate harm, from animal agriculture to war economies.

• Advocate for Change: Support policies that prioritize justice, equality, and sustainability.

• Live the Vision: Align your daily choices with the abolitionist future you want to see, whether by adopting a vegan lifestyle or reducing your environmental footprint.

A Future Worth Fighting For

The world feels chaotic, but chaos is often the precursor to transformation. Abolitionism offers not just a critique of the present but a blueprint for the future—a world where compassion and justice replace exploitation and harm.

This December 6th, as we honor the legacy of abolitionists past, let’s commit to building an abolitionist future. It’s time to reimagine what’s possible and to act with courage and conviction for a just, sustainable world—for all.

Brandy W. Walt-Rose

Political Advocate, Humane Party