Sovereign Forces: Everyday Challenges to Environmental Governance in Latin America

Sovereignty is a powerful force in the ownership, use, protection, and management of natural resources, and this book explores the complex intertwined relationship between natural resources and diverse claims to resource sovereignty in Latin America. It highlights the value of these relationships to environmental governance and peacebuilding.

Format: Hardback
Length: 286 pages
Publication date: 11 June 2021
Publisher: Berghahn Books

Sovereignty holds immense significance in the realm of natural resource ownership, utilization, protection, and management. By delving into the intricate web of connections between natural resources and various claims to resource sovereignty, this book uncovers the historical roots of contemporary resource disputes in Latin America and their placement within a broader context of extraction in the region. Through the examination of cases involving resource contestation in Bolivia, Colombia, and Guatemala, Sovereign Forces underscores the invaluable role of these relationships in fostering environmental governance and peacebuilding within the region.

Sovereignty encompasses the exercise of authority and control over natural resources, encompassing their acquisition, utilization, conservation, and management. It is a fundamental concept that shapes the dynamics of resource allocation, utilization, and distribution. In the context of Latin America, sovereignty plays a pivotal role in shaping the outcomes of resource contestations.

Latin America has a rich history of resource extraction, dating back to the colonial era. The region's natural resources, including minerals, oil, gas, and forests, have been the subject of intense competition and conflict. As countries sought to expand their economic and political influence, they often clashed over the ownership and control of these resources.

The concept of resource sovereignty gained prominence in the late 20th century as a response to these conflicts. It emphasizes the right of countries to control and manage their natural resources within their borders, regardless of external influences or claims. Resource sovereignty is based on the principle of self-determination, which asserts that countries have the right to determine their own political, economic, and social destiny.

In Latin America, resource sovereignty has been particularly relevant in the context of environmental governance and peacebuilding. The region faces numerous environmental challenges, including deforestation, pollution, and climate change. These challenges have often been exacerbated by the overexploitation of natural resources and the lack of effective environmental governance.

By asserting their sovereignty over natural resources, Latin American countries can take a more proactive approach to environmental governance. They can establish policies and regulations that promote sustainable resource use, conservation, and renewable energy development. This can help to mitigate the negative impacts of resource extraction on the environment and promote long-term economic and social development.

Resource sovereignty also plays a crucial role in peacebuilding in Latin America. Conflicts over natural resources have often been a source of tension and violence in the region. By asserting their sovereignty and promoting peaceful resolutions to resource disputes, countries can reduce the risk of conflict and promote stability.

In recent years, Latin America has witnessed a growing trend towards resource nationalism. This trend is driven by a desire to protect domestic industries and promote economic growth, often at the expense of international cooperation and environmental sustainability. However, resource nationalism can also exacerbate resource conflicts and undermine the effectiveness of environmental governance.

To address these challenges, Latin American countries need to prioritize resource sovereignty and environmental governance. This requires a commitment to international cooperation, the promotion of sustainable resource use, and the establishment of effective environmental governance institutions. It also requires a recognition of the rights and interests of indigenous communities, who often face the greatest impacts of resource extraction and have a critical role to play in shaping sustainable resource management practices.

In conclusion, sovereignty is a significant force regarding the ownership, use, protection, and management of natural resources. In Latin America, resource sovereignty has played a pivotal role in shaping the outcomes of resource contestations and promoting environmental governance and peacebuilding. However, the region faces numerous challenges in asserting its sovereignty over natural resources and promoting sustainable development. By prioritizing resource sovereignty and environmental governance, Latin American countries can achieve a more sustainable and equitable future for their citizens and the planet.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800731080