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Carbon Democracy: Political Power in the Age of Oil

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2011

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Book Brief

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Timothy Mitchell

Carbon Democracy

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2011
Book Details
Pages

288

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Global • 20th century

Publication Year

2011

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Carbon Democracy: Political Power in the Age of Oil by Timothy Mitchell examines the relationship between carbon-based energy (coal and oil) and democracy, arguing that coal and oil workers increased their political power by exploiting production vulnerabilities. The transition from coal to oil weakened worker influence, altering democratic dynamics. Mitchell explores imperial manipulation in oil-rich regions and the geopolitical strategies used to control oil supplies, highlighting ongoing instability and the environmental crisis linked to oil dependence. The book discusses imperial violence, wars, and enforced instability in the Middle East.

Informative

Challenging

Contemplative

Mysterious

Unnerving

Reviews & Readership

4.3

972 ratings

81%

Loved it

14%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Timothy Mitchell's Carbon Democracy offers a compelling analysis of the interplay between fossil fuels and political power, praised for its innovative approach and interdisciplinary insights. However, some critics find it dense and occasionally convoluted. Overall, it's a thought-provoking read that challenges conventional understandings of democracy and energy.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Carbon Democracy?

Readers who would enjoy Carbon Democracy by Timothy Mitchell are typically interested in the intersections of energy, politics, and history. Fans of works like Naomi Klein's This Changes Everything or Jared Diamond's Collapse will appreciate Mitchell’s in-depth analysis of how fossil fuels influenced modern democracies.

4.3

972 ratings

81%

Loved it

14%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Character List

Timothy Mitchell

A British-born political theorist and Middle East expert, who has authored several works exploring the intersections of political economy, carbon energy, and democracy, often examining colonial and modern technological influences in these areas.

A British Prime Minister known for his leadership during World War II, who earlier influenced the British Navy to transition from coal to oil, impacting working-class industries and labor movements, highlighting the interconnectedness of energy and political power.

An influential English economist whose theories on government-regulated economic policies and the role of money circulation have profoundly impacted capitalist economies, evidencing shifts in economic strategies in response to crises.

An Iraqi Army brigadier and nationalist leader who played a significant role in reclaiming oil industry control from foreign companies, reflecting broader themes of power dynamics and resource sovereignty in Middle Eastern politics.

The 37th President of the United States, noted for his strategic arms and environmental policies, whose attempts to reshape energy policy highlight the political maneuvers associated with energy resources and international relations.

The founder of Saudi Arabia, who balanced foreign interests with religious elements within his kingdom through strategic oil industry partnerships, illustrating the modernization and power consolidation in the region.

Book Details
Pages

288

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Global • 20th century

Publication Year

2011

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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