Abstract
The contradictions and tensions inherent to the world system are lucidly evident in energy politics. On the one hand, energy is the basis of the nation-state, and, on the other, it is the basis of globalism—as well as the global warming crisis. In Star Trek the political significance of energy is acknowledged through “dilithium crystals”. While dilithium crystals are fantasy (as outlined below), their centrality in the world of Star Trek means that minerals remain as a source of geopolitical tension, conflict. Additionally, the progressive content of dilithium crystals gives us insight into current world politics on energy—whereby the U.S. is leading the whole planet toward continuing dependence on dirty, finite fossil fuels and actively working against the promise of plutonium energy.
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Gonzalez, G.A. (2018). Energy, the Nation-State, and Imperialism. In: Star Trek and the Politics of Globalism. Palgrave Pivot, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-95411-0_5
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