Published: 2026-07-29

Authoritarianism as an Ecological Risk: A Political Ecology Reading of Mez Breeze’s “A Place Called Ormalcy”

Christy Isaac Profil ORCID autora Christy Isaac , Rathna P Profil ORCID autora Rathna P
Studia Ecologiae et Bioethicae
Section: Articles
DOI https://doi.org/10.21697/seb.5899

Abstract

This paper examines authoritarianism as an ecological risk through a political ecology reading of Mez Breeze’s digital fiction A Place Called Ormalcy (2020). Its playful, distorted lexicon and whimsical interactive narrative conceal Ormalcy’s gradual descent into environmental degradation. Drawing on textual analysis and insights from an unpublished interview with Breeze, the study shows how authoritarian systems weaponize linguistic obscuration to reshape both civic life and human–environment relations. They transform shared ecological spaces into controlled zones, mechanize natural environments, disrupt biodiversity, and weaken emotional attachment to non-human life. Mr Ormal’s transformation from a contented, nature-loving citizen into an enforcer of the regime that once oppressed him illustrates how authoritarian governance produces emotional desensitization and ecological indifference. Situated within political ecology and ecocriticism, the analysis demonstrates how authoritarianism may operate as a systemic force of ecological collapse by eroding biodiversity, ecological freedom, and affective human–nature relationships. The article interprets Breeze’s work as a cautionary digital allegory exposing the linguistic, psychological, and structural mechanisms through which authoritarian power normalizes environmental degradation. It also highlights the importance of democratic institutions and ecological responsibility for advancing SDG 15 and SDG 16.

Keywords:

political ecology, authoritarianism, environmental degradation, electronic literature, ecocriticism, Mez Breeze, authoritarian environmentalism, environmental governance, SDG 15 – Life on Land, SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Download files

Citation rules

Isaac, C., & P, R. (2026). Authoritarianism as an Ecological Risk: A Political Ecology Reading of Mez Breeze’s “A Place Called Ormalcy”. Studia Ecologiae Et Bioethicae. https://doi.org/10.21697/seb.5899

Cited by / Share

This website uses cookies for proper operation, in order to use the portal fully you must accept cookies.