Green colonialism and green nationalism: how the energy transition reproduces global inequalities

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Abstract

The article is devoted to the study of the essence of green colonialism in the context of the global energy transition, focusing on its manifestations and consequences, often leading to various forms of struggle for the preservation of national natural resources, or green nationalism. The author emphasizes that the development of green technologies can be accompanied by the exploitation of natural resources and indigenous territories. This leads to the reproduction of colonial practices and the growth of socio-ecological conflicts. The article analyzes scientific approaches to the problems of neocolonialism within the framework of green energy development and analyzes the reasons for indigenous protests in both the Global South and the Global North. The author concludes that in order to achieve a just energy transition, not only economic but also social, cultural and environmental aspects need to be taken into account. The article contributes to the debate on the need for a thoughtful approach to green energy development that avoids repeating the historical mistakes of colonialism.

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About the authors

Elena N. Karatueva

Saint Petersburg State Agrarian University; Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation

Author for correspondence.
Email: e_karatueva@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-2169-3622
SPIN-code: 2252-7868
Scopus Author ID: 57608102200
ResearcherId: MGU-4422-2025

Cand. Sci. (Polit.), associate professor, Department of Public and Municipal Administration, doctoral student, Department of Political Science

Russian Federation, Saint Petersburg; Moscow

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