Hitchens view of the world is totally political. Do you remember the Star Trek depiction of Earth as a eutopia—one without suffering and poverty. Man had acquired a god-like mastery of the elements. People like Rodenberry—and Hitches—think this is possible. Unstated is the assumption that so much power in the hands of right-minded people will not corrupt. Of course, this is plainly a mirage.
Excellent point.