An Interdisciplinary Exploration of Power, Conflict, and Climate in American War and The Ministry for the Future

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, English Literature Department, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran

2 assistant professor of English language and literature, department of English, faculty of language and literature, university of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran

Abstract

This essay discusses the political dimensions of Omar El Akkad's American War and Kim Stanley Robinson's The Ministry for the Future, exploring their distinct yet interconnected critiques of governance, authoritarianism, and global cooperation in times of existential crisis. Drawing upon diverse political theories, such as Hobbesian social contracts, Arendtian distinctions between power and violence, and Marxist critiques of systemic inequality, the analysis situates these novels within the broader context of speculative fiction’s role in reimagining political systems. By examining themes of climate change, radicalization, systemic reform, and international diplomacy, this study illuminates the enduring relevance of speculative narratives as blueprints for understanding and addressing contemporary global challenges. These narratives not only critique existing power structures but also offer innovative perspectives on the possibilities of systemic reform. Ultimately, the essay positions speculative fiction as a vital tool for envisioning alternative trajectories for a just, inclusive, and sustainable future, emphasizing its transformative potential in shaping political and ecological discourse.

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History

  • Receive Date: 10 January 2025
  • Revise Date: 17 March 2025
  • Accept Date: 10 May 2025

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