Capital and the Cosmos: War, Society and the Quest for Profit

Entrepreneurs such as Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk offer unlikely and implausible visions of space tourism, while asteroids are seen as 'rare materials' to be extracted and used to produce untold riches for earthbound citizens. However, capital is determining how outer space should be used, with investments in aerospace companies determining forms of military interventions and the equipment used. This book sets out a new understanding of our relations with the cosmos, challenging the forces of capital and subverting and overturning them.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 158 pages
Publication date: 02 January 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This captivating book delves into a profound exploration of the intricate interplay between society and the vast expanse of the cosmos. While entrepreneurs like Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk capture the public's attention with their ambitious visions of space tourism, the reality lies far beyond these unlikely and implausible aspirations. Asteroids, once perceived as precious resources, are now being viewed as potential sources of untold riches for earthly citizens. However, the truth is far more complex.

Firstly, there is no concrete evidence to suggest that capital owners are actively seeking to extract "rare materials" from the cosmos. The astronomical costs associated with such endeavors would be deemed "out of this world." Instead, it is capital, not governments, that holds the key to determining the future of outer space utilization. Capital's investments in aerospace companies shape the contours of military interventions and the equipment employed. Moreover, satellite television plays a significant role in broadcasting cultural content to a global audience.

Yet, these developments are not without their challenges and subversions. Indigenous peoples, for instance, are actively resisting and challenging the dominant narratives propagated by capital and the media. They hold deep cultural connections to the cosmos and advocate for its preservation and sustainable use.

In essence, this book offers a fresh perspective on our relationship with the cosmos. While capital's power is undeniable, it is also being confronted, subverted, and even overturned by various forces. It is a thought-provoking exploration that invites us to reevaluate our understanding of the universe and the role of society within it.

Weight: 231g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031185007
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022