James C. Scott, a towering figure in social science known for his groundbreaking work on state power, peasant resistance, and the unintended consequences of modernization, died on June 21, 2023, at the age of 87. His death marked the loss of a brilliant and influential mind that challenged conventional wisdom and reshaped our understanding of the world.

Scott’s prolific career spanned over five decades, producing a legacy of influential books that have become staples in academic discourse. His most famous work, “Seeing Like a State,” published in 1998, analyzed the failures of ambitious, top-down social engineering projects, arguing that state interventions often ignored local knowledge and unintendedly created chaos and suffering. This book, considered a masterpiece of political ecology, has had a profound impact on fields ranging from anthropology and geography to urban planning and environmental studies.

Scott’s work was characterized by his deep skepticism of grand narratives and his insistence on understanding the complexities of everyday life. He was a keen observer of the “art of the domain,” the way ordinary people navigate and resist the pressures of power. His book, “Weapons of the Weak,” explored how peasants in Southeast Asia employed subtle forms of resistance to subvert the authority of their rulers.

Beyond his academic contributions, Scott was a passionate advocate for social justice and environmental protection. He was a vocal critic of the homogenizing forces of globalization and the unsustainable practices of industrial agriculture. He argued for the preservation of local knowledge systems and the importance of biodiversity.

His work has been widely translated and praised for its clarity, rigor, and intellectual depth. Scott’s influence extends far beyond academia, shaping the thinking of activists, policymakers, and anyone concerned with the relationship between power, knowledge, and everyday life.

The loss of James C. Scott is deeply felt by the academic community and beyond. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of scholars and activists to question conventional wisdom, challenge the status quo, and seek a more just and sustainable world.