<p>In this powerful season finale, I bring our exploration of nature, politics, and animal liberation to a profound conclusion by looking to the forest as a model for a just society.</p><p><br></p><p>Gregory Tague, a scholar with over two decades of work in environmental and animal ethics, introduces a radical idea: the forest is a sovereign state. It operates not with a single dominant power, but through a complex web of mutual obligations, where inhabitants respect boundaries and avoid confrontation for the collective advantage of all.</p><p><br></p><p>We dive into a key excerpt from Tague’s book, Forest Sovereignty, which argues that forest organisms understand something we humans have forgotten: true association isn&#39;t about transactional exchanges, but about the net result of sustainability for the entire ecosystem. In this &quot;liberal society&quot; of the forest, stability comes from the diversity of its organisms, all with a free right to resources.</p><p><br></p><p>This episode is a call to action. Reflecting on the entire season, we&#39;re reminded our struggle for a fairer world has deep roots, and that change, while slow, is possible. The season is retroactively dedicated to all those — vegans, activists, and thinkers — who are pushing boundaries and striving for the liberation of both humans and non-humans.</p><p><br></p><p>This is a fitting end to a season challenging us to learn from the ancient, self-sustaining wisdom of the forest and to continue the long, necessary work of building a new, more just existence for all.</p><p><br></p><p>Key Takeaways:</p><p><br></p><p>Forests as a model for a sustainable, self-governing society.</p><p>The concept of &quot;associative duties&quot; we hold towards all wild life.</p><p>A powerful message of solidarity for those fighting for liberation.</p><p>A compelling conclusion to a season-long discussion on nature and politics.</p><p><br></p><p>Listen to the full episode to hear this inspiring conversation and conclude the season with a renewed sense of purpose.</p><p><br></p><p>Website/Socials &amp; Books</p><p>Gregory F. Tague</p><p>Website: https://sites.google.com/site/gftague/</p><p>Book: Forest Sovereignty: Wildlife sustainability and ethics (Peter Lang 2025)</p><p><br></p><p>Other links</p><p>&quot;Sovereign Forests&quot; https://theecologist.org/2025/oct/10/sovereign-forests</p><p>Literary Veganism: An online journal https://www.litvegan.net</p><p><br></p><p>Emi Leese</p><p>https://emilialeese.substack.com</p><p>http://thinklikeavegan.com</p><p>http://emilialeese.com</p><p>Instagram @emi.leese</p><p>YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@thinklikeavegan/videos</p><p><br></p><p>Credits</p><p>Host: Emilia A. Leese</p><p>Guest: Gregory F. Tague</p><p>Production &amp; Engineering: Jim Moore of Bloody Vegans Productions; https://www.bloodyvegansproductions.com</p><p>Graphics: Catherine Dorrell https://www.messyvegancook.com</p><p><br></p><p>Music</p><p>Opening theme: “Flashbacks” by Jenny Moore’s Mystic Business</p><p>Interlude: &quot;Ōuda Afternoon I&quot; music by Matthew Gerstenberger, voice by Chiyako</p><p>Closing theme: “Tear Things Up” by Jenny Moore’s Mystic Business</p><p><br></p><p>This podcast is part of iROAR, the Animals Podcasting Network https://iroarpod.com</p>