Description
Description
Doubt, Hope, Action is Uffe Elbæk’s journey in search of hope and an invitation to a gentle revolution.
In this thoughtful and provocative book, Elbæk explores many of the challenges and contradictions that define our time – especially the urgent question: What kind of world are we leaving for future generations?
Chapter by chapter Elbæk confronts the planetary endgame we face. A collapse of both outer and inner structures. From climate collapse, epidemics and violent social, political and technological conflicts, through the weakening of democratic institutions, right-wing radicalisation and fighting over resources, to regional warfare and the reemergence of something looking very much like old-fashioned imperialism.
He refuses to accept despair. Why? Because he knows that another world is possible. And that it is already here in the values-driven entrepreneurs, democratic businesses, citizen groups, cooperatives, cultural initiatives, organic farming collectives and a whole new generation of progressive political voices. Every one of them is a pledge that a green, democratic, post-capitalist society is possible.
Blending sharp social analysis with heartfelt optimism, Doubt, Hope, Action urges progressive movements and all people to recognise their shared purpose—and to unite, mobilise, and act. Now is not the time to sit on the sidelines.
Uffe Elbæk is a former Danish Minister of Culture, founder and former leader of the green political party The Alternative, and a long-time progressive voice in Danish public life.
Before entering national politics and serving in the Danish Parliament, Uffe founded and led the youth cultural organization The Frontrunners (1982–91). He went on to establish the renowned entrepreneurial leadership school The KaosPilots, where he served as principal (1991–2006), and later became CEO of the international LGBT event World Outgames in Copenhagen (2007–09).
Throughout his career, Uffe has been an influential educator, cultural innovator, author, and columnist – always championing social progress, creativity, and inclusion.
He is the author of several books, including Leadership on the Edge (2010) and his memoir Et liv (A Life) (2022).
Podcasts
- Compass, It’s Bloody Complicated, For a Gentle Revolution | In Conversation with Uffe Elbæk
- Accidental Gods, Making Glorious Trouble with Uffe Elbaek, Activist, System Builder and Author of Doubt, Hope, Action
Contents
A question and a wake-up call
Fly less, kiss more
Trump and the dark side
Raving conspiracy theories
The war on women and all of us queer people
Growth capitalism feeds on nature and souls
Old roots and new routes
The Sound of Music palace
We’ve done it before, we can do it again
A new political landscape
A democratic renaissance
Life on the triple bottom line
The Fourth Sector may be the key
Experimentation as a strategy
What we dream of is already here
Hope and the green wall
Strong tailwinds
Call for a friendly revolution
The magic in my backyard





Emeritus Prof. Rupert Read, Co-Director of the Climate Majority Project, and author, Why Climate Breakdown Matters –
An intriguing journey through some of what is actual and possible and encouraging, even amidst the darkness of this time
Kalle Lasn, Adbusters –
Hey, this is a whiz-bang eco-bomb… It’ll teach you a few new tricks
Manda Scott, author & host Accidental Gods podcast –
Everyone needs sane, grounded hope, and ideas of actions we can take rooted in experience of the world as it is and visions of the world we could create if we all agree on the founding values of empathy, courage, compassion, transparency and honesty. Uffe Elbaek’s book offers a deep, wide smorgasbord of hope and ideas for actions we can all take to heal our world and ourselves. Totally recommended.