“THE ELEMENTS OF POWER”

BOOK TALK WITH NICOLAS NIARCHOS

As a writer and journalist, Peter Matthiessen devoted his life to voyages of discovery, chronicling the wild places and ancient traditions that reveal humanity's profound bond with nature—and the environmental and Indigenous justice struggles that continue to influence us today. It is in that spirit that we were delighted to welcome two inspiring events which took place on September 1 at the Southampton Arts Center.

The first was a fascinating book talk with journalist and Now Voyager magazine founder Nicholas Niarchos, who read excerpts from his award-winning book The Elements of Power: A Story of War, Technology, and the Dirtiest Supply Chain on Earth. The book was a nominee for the 2026 Orwell Prize for Political Writing, and in it Nicholas delivered a deeply reported account of the global scramble for the metals that fuel the “green” energy transition. Tracing supply chains from Central Africa to Beijing and Washington, The Elements of Power reveals how the fight over battery minerals is reshaping geopolitics and exposing devastating human and environmental consequences of these best intentions. We hope you enjoy a recording of the event and below.