Solar Politics

Solar Politics is a philosophical essay on the sun. It draws on Georges Bataille’s theories of the solar economy and solar violence, demonstrating their relevance to a world affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change.

The sun, which has played an essential role in our utopian imaginations since Antiquity, is the ultimate source of energy, both productive and destructive. According to Georges Bataille, its infinite generosity can be seen as a model for human societies, suggesting an alternative to the capitalist economy with its infinite expansion, colonisation, and disastrous consequences on the cosmic scale.

Taking a step from solar economy to solar politics, Timofeeva finds the foundations for this in solidarity with nature, treating it neither as a master nor as a slave, but as a comrade.

The book will appeal to students, academics, artists, and other readers interested in the philosophy of nature, ecology, social and political theory, postcolonial and decolonial studies, and the humanities generally.