George A. Gonzalez Books

Exploring the absence of a universal conception of justice, the book uses Star Trek as a lens to argue for a reorientation of society's productive forces. It emphasizes the need for a thriving society that prioritizes the holistic development of individuals and ecological sustainability to achieve true democracy and justice. Through this analysis, the work highlights the intricate relationship between societal structures and the pursuit of equitable outcomes.

What set the United States on the path to developing commercial nuclear energy in the 1950s, and what led to the seeming demise of that industry in the late 1970s? Why, in spite of the depletion of fossil fuels and the obvious dangers of global warming, has the United States moved so slowly toward adopting alternatives? In Energy and Empire, George A. Gonzalez presents a clear and concise argument demonstrating that economic elites tied their advocacy of the nuclear energy option to post-1945 American foreign policy goals. At the same time, these elites opposed government support for other forms of energy, such as solar, that cannot be dominated by one nation. While researchers have blamed safety concerns and other factors as helping to arrest the expansion of domestic nuclear power plant construction, Gonzalez points to an entirely different set of motivations stemming from the loss of America's domination/control of the enrichment of nuclear fuel. Once foreign countries could enrich their own fuel, civilian nuclear power ceased to be a lever the United States could use to economically/politically dominate other nations. Instead, it became a major concern relating to nuclear weapons proliferation.

Challenging the perception of environmental policy as free from corporate influence, this book reveals how U.S. economic elites manipulate environmental regulations for their gain. Through case studies on national forests, parks, wilderness preservation, and clean air policies, the author illustrates the pervasive impact of corporate power in shaping environmental legislation and its implementation, demonstrating that even the most idealistic policy areas are not immune to capitalist interests.

Exploring the philosophical tensions of the modern era, this book analyzes how the Star Trek franchise reflects and comments on contemporary controversies. It argues that through its various iterations, Star Trek provides valuable insights into political dynamics, making it a crucial resource for understanding modern political discourse.

SummaryDocuments how energy resource acquisition has been the driving motivator for European and American international relations.Since the onset of the Second Industrial Revolution in the second half of the nineteenth century, energy has become a key axis of politics and international relations, particularly for the United States and Western Europe. In Energy and the Politics of the North Atlantic ,George A. Gonzalez documents how the United States--thanks to its copious reserves of oil, coal, and natural gas--was able to assume a dominant position in the world system by the 1920s. This energy/economic imbalance was an important causal factor underlying the eruption of World War II. After 1945, and in the context of the Cold War and the war against communism, the United States used its access to both fossil fuels and nuclear power as a means to defeat the Soviet Union and its allies. Driving American foreign policy, Gonzalez argues, is a domestic system of urban sprawl based on the automobile and the energy reserves necessary to maintain it. The massive consumer demand created by urban sprawl underpins US foreign policy in the Middle East since the 1970s, while it is concerns over access to energy that is driving the European Union project.

The book explores the tension between progressive movements and authoritarian forces aiming to undermine democratic change. It highlights how these political entities conspire to suppress public demands for justice and democracy, while simultaneously discrediting critics by labeling them as conspiracy theorists. This dynamic reveals the struggle for power and the manipulation of narratives in the fight for a fair government.

Focusing on the themes of justice and injustice, the author explores how these elements influence the artistic success and popularity of TV and film franchises. He presents a compelling argument that Star Trek stands out as the most popular franchise in history due to its central emphasis on the pursuit of justice, which he links to the notion of beauty within its narrative. This analysis delves into the deeper significance of storytelling in shaping cultural phenomena.

Focusing on the interplay between political authority and energy politics, this book explores how modern governance is shaped by energy resources and policies. It delves into the implications of energy dependency, international relations, and the strategic maneuvers of states in the pursuit of power. By analyzing case studies and historical contexts, the work highlights the critical role energy plays in contemporary political dynamics and authority structures.

The book explores the unconventional fossil fuels revolution in North America, focusing on the extraction processes of shale oil and gas through hydrofracking, as well as the processing of Canadian oil sands. It examines the geopolitical implications of these energy practices, highlighting how they intersect with great power politics and influence global energy dynamics. Through this lens, the narrative delves into the broader environmental and economic consequences of the fossil fuel industry.

The book explores the tension between absolute ideals and casualty principles, arguing that the former leads to personal and societal dysfunction, threatening civilization's stability. In contrast, it presents a vision of a society grounded in casualty and justice, characterized by classlessness and freedom from gender and ethnic biases, promoting a vibrant and stable community.