APOCALYPSE QUARTERLY 2/24
Dear Readers,
Have you ever noticed the presence of desert imagery in apocalyptic narratives? This issue’s lead article traces the developmentof desert imagery, from the 18th century view of deserts as ruined forests to modern representations in science fiction. Author and CAPAS-Fellow Adam Stock argues that such depictions provide profound insights into power dynamics andcolonial encounters. Intrigued? Discover more on the following pages.
The theme of deserts, though green ones, and their socio-ecological impacts, is further examined in the article “The Infrastructure of Fire” (pp. 7-9). Author Mário Gomes impressively describes the merciless exploitation of nature in Chile, which is made possible by political elites. How things can be done differently is shown in the article “Back to the Roots” (pp. 12/13) about the people of Mangaia, an island of the Cook Islands archipelago, who have recently reintroduced an ancient tradition known as Ra’ui in order to sustain the natural food supplies.
The CAPAS team wishes you a stimulating lecture and a relaxing summer break to those living in the northern hemisphere!
If you have feedback concerning the newsletter, please let us know: capas@uni-heidelberg.de
Mapping the Apocalypse
DESERTS, APOCALYPTIC SCIENCE FICTION AND COLONIALISM
by Adam Stock
What is the link between deserts, science fiction and colonialism? CAPAS Fellow Adam Stock examines the cultural and historical perceptions of deserts, particularly through the lens of European colonialism and apocalyptic science fiction. In his article, he traces the development of images of deserts, from the 18th century view of deserts as destroyed forests to contemporary representations in media such as WALL-E. In doing so, he emphasises the political implications of desert imaginaries and argues that apocalyptic narratives can offer insights into power dynamics and colonial encounters.
