Ethnographies of Power: A Political Anthropology of Energy

Energy-related infrastructures are essential to political organization, shaping states, international bodies, corporations, and communities. Ethnographies of Power explores how changing energy infrastructures consolidate, extend, or subvert contemporary political regimes, revealing insights into politics today.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 212 pages
Publication date: 09 June 2023
Publisher: Berghahn Books

Energy-related infrastructures play a vital role in shaping the political landscape of states, international organizations, corporations, and communities. These infrastructures not only define the physical contours of these entities but also shape their material existence, as well as their perceptions and aspirations for the future.

In the field of anthropology, the study of power has long been a central focus. Ethnographies of Power takes this concept further by exploring the intricate connections between energy and political power in contemporary societies. By revisiting traditional notions of power, the book seeks to understand how changing energy-related infrastructures are implicated in the consolidation, extension, or subversion of contemporary political regimes.

Through a series of ethnographic case studies, Ethnographies of Power offers a rich and nuanced understanding of the ways in which energy shapes political processes and outcomes. The book explores a wide range of topics, including the role of energy in the construction of national identities, the dynamics of power relations within energy industries, and the impact of energy transitions on political systems.

One of the key insights of the book is that energy-related infrastructures are not merely passive structures that support political activities; rather, they are active agents that shape and influence political processes. For example, the development of renewable energy technologies has the potential to decentralize power and challenge the dominance of centralized energy systems, while the expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure can reinforce existing power inequalities and contribute to environmental degradation.

Another important theme of the book is the role of power in the negotiation and implementation of energy policies. Ethnographies of Power highlights the ways in which different actors, including governments, corporations, and communities, engage with energy-related infrastructures to shape their interests and outcomes. The book explores the complex dynamics of power relations that emerge in these negotiations, including the ways in which different actors leverage their resources, knowledge, and networks to gain influence and control over energy-related decisions.

In conclusion, Ethnographies of Power is a groundbreaking work that offers a fresh and insightful perspective on the complex relationship between energy and political power in contemporary societies. By exploring the ways in which energy-related infrastructures shape the contours of states, international organizations, corporations, and communities, the book provides valuable insights into the politics of our times. Whether one is interested in the politics of energy, environmental sustainability, or social justice, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the contemporary world.

ISBN-13: 9781800739352