Latin American Extractivism: Dependency, Resource Nationalism, and Resistance in Broad Perspective

The book explores the cultural patterns behind protests against extractivist projects and state actors' responses in Latin America, offering a comprehensive view of global capitalism and extractivism.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 07 December 2020
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Global capitalism and extractivism have had a profound impact on contemporary Latin America, shaping cultural patterns involving gender, ethnicity, and class and leading to protests against extractivist projects. This cutting-edge book provides a comprehensive overview of these issues, examining the cultural factors that drive these movements and the responses of state actors to them.

One of the key themes of the book is the role of gender in protests against extractivist projects. Women have been at the forefront of many of these movements, demanding greater rights and recognition in the face of environmental degradation and social inequality. Scholars argue that gender plays a significant role in shaping the way that people perceive and respond to environmental issues, and that women's experiences and perspectives are often overlooked in mainstream discourse.

Ethnicity is also a significant factor in protests against extractivist projects. Indigenous communities have been particularly affected by these projects, as they often have unique cultural practices and land rights that are threatened by development. Scholars argue that extractivist projects can exacerbate existing social and economic inequalities, and that they can lead to the displacement of indigenous communities.

Class is also a significant factor in protests against extractivist projects. Many of these projects are owned by multinational corporations, and they often benefit wealthy elites while leaving the majority of the population in poverty. Scholars argue that extractivist projects can contribute to the perpetuation of social and economic inequality, and that they can lead to the exploitation of workers and the degradation of the environment.

State actors have responded to protests against extractivist projects in a variety of ways. Some governments have implemented policies that promote sustainable development, while others have resisted these policies and have continued to support extractivist projects. Scholars argue that state actors' responses to protests are often influenced by political and economic interests, and that they can have negative consequences for the environment and the rights of indigenous communities.

One of the challenges facing protests against extractivist projects is the lack of access to information and resources. Many of these projects are located in remote areas, and it can be difficult for activists to gather information and to mobilize support. Scholars argue that this lack of access can be addressed by promoting transparency and accountability in the extractive industry, and by providing support to local communities.

Another challenge facing protests against extractivist projects is the use of violence by state actors. In many cases, protests have been met with violence by police and military forces, and this violence can have a devastating impact on the lives of activists and the communities they represent. Scholars argue that the use of violence by state actors is often a response to the perceived threat posed by protests, and that it can be addressed by promoting peaceful protest and by holding state actors accountable for their actions.

In conclusion, global capitalism and extractivism have had a profound impact on contemporary Latin America, shaping cultural patterns involving gender, ethnicity, and class and leading to protests against extractivist projects. This cutting-edge book provides a comprehensive overview of these issues, examining the cultural factors that drive these movements and the responses of state actors to them. By promoting transparency and accountability in the extractive industry, and by providing support to local communities, we can work towards a more sustainable and equitable future for all.

Weight: 468g
Dimension: 153 x 229 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538141564