Has “Ecological Economics” betrayed its roots? Revealing its state, internal tensions and evolution through a multi-level and multi-scale bibliometric assessment

This paper uses a mixed methods approach to investigate the development of Ecological Economics (EE), combining a critical literature review with quantitative bibliometric analysis. It maps the intellectual trajectory of the field, its thematic shifts and its authorship networks from inception to the present time. Three phases are identified: (i) 1983–1997: the founding period; (ii) 1998–2011: the establishment of ecosystem services' valuation; and (iii) 2012–2024: the contemporary EE, characterized by internal tensions and increasing integration into mainstream environmental initiatives. Our findings reveal a global surge in interest in the field, accompanied by an expansion in the intellectual scope and research themes, as well as a broader geographic distribution of authors. This is associated with the emergence of numerous new journals, with Ecological Economics maintaining a central, albeit declining, position. Our research shows that while EE began as a critique of neoclassical economics, during its establishment phase it embraced market-based solutions and monetary valuation. However, contemporary trends indicate a critical reassessment of these approaches, with a shift towards exploring issues such as climate justice, degrowth and social metabolism. This dynamic evolution highlights the ongoing importance of EE as a platform for transdisciplinary research that challenges conventional economic thinking.