Yes, there are analogs in Dune of today's events-corruption and bribery in the highest places, whole police forces lost to organized crime, regulatory agencies taken over by the people they are supposed to regulate. The scarce water of Dune is an exact analog of oil scarcity. CHOAM is OPEC.
There's more in this rather good essay explaining some of the history and philosophy published in (much-missed) Omni magazine in 1980.
Most interesting essay. He brings up some elements of the book that I overlooked or downplayed. I guess I'd be a splendid recruit for the right superhero. The two names that interest me in the 2008 US presidential horse race are Gore and Edwards. Both exhibit some of that messianic aura.
The scarce water of Dune is an exact analog of oil scarcity. CHOAM is OPEC.
Interesting. I've always seen spice as the exact analogy of oil. I thought the water scarcity of Dune was a plot element to build the case for planetary ecology.
Damn. Now I'm going to have to read the book again. Now where are we going and what's with the handbasket?
Water!?
The interviewer has to have gotten it wrong. Everything in the book makes it clear that spice is the strategic substance. Herbert has to have understood his own writing. The Fates are kind.
