Contesting Water Rights: Local, State, and Global Struggles

The book explores the role of the ambivalent state in local struggles for water, which are intertwined with global forums that support or challenge privatization. These struggles have redefined the relationships between the state, corporations, and other social actors.

Format: Hardback
Length: 178 pages
Publication date: 24 May 2018
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

As globalization progresses and neoliberal agendas drive privatization through state intervention, the fight for water rights intensifies. In this intricate landscape, this book delves into the complex role of the ambivalent state in local water struggles, which are intricately linked to global forums that either support or oppose the privatization of water resources. These localized-global conflicts have reshaped the dynamics between the state, corporations, and other social actors, influencing the local politics of inequality and marginalization.

The increasing privatization of water resources, driven by globalization processes and neoliberal agendas, has led to a heightened struggle for water rights among communities. The state's involvement in these struggles is often ambiguous, as it simultaneously supports and challenges privatization efforts. This book examines the intricate interplay between local water struggles and global forums that influence privatization, highlighting the ways in which these conflicts redefine the relationships between the state, corporations, and other social actors.

One of the key findings of the book is that the privatization of water resources is not a neutral or apolitical process. Rather, it is deeply intertwined with power dynamics, economic interests, and social inequalities. Corporations, for example, often seek to privatize water resources in order to maximize profits and control access to this vital resource. However, this can have detrimental consequences for communities, particularly those who are already marginalized and vulnerable.

Local water struggles, on the other hand, are often rooted in the specific context of each community. These struggles may involve community-based organizations, grassroots movements, or individuals fighting for their right to clean water and sustainable livelihoods. These local movements are often influenced by global forums, such as the World Water Forum, which bring together stakeholders from various sectors to discuss water issues and advocate for policy change.

However, the influence of global forums on local water struggles is not always positive. For example, some argue that these forums are dominated by corporate interests and that they promote policies that prioritize the interests of corporations over the needs of communities. This can lead to the sidelining of local voices and the perpetuation of inequality and marginalization.

To address these challenges, the book proposes a multifaceted approach. It emphasizes the importance of community-based governance, which involves the participation of local communities in decision-making processes related to water resources. It also calls for greater transparency and accountability from corporations and other social actors, as well as the recognition of the rights of marginalized communities to access clean water and sustainable livelihoods.

In conclusion, the privatization of water resources is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach. This book provides valuable insights into the role of the ambivalent state in local water struggles, the influence of global forums on these struggles, and the need for a more equitable and sustainable approach to water management. By recognizing the interconnections between local and global contexts, we can work towards a world where access to clean water is a universal right and where communities are empowered to shape their own futures.

Weight: 352g
Dimension: 156 x 219 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783319746265
Edition number: 1st ed. 2018