Water Struggles as Resistance to Neoliberal Capitalism: A Time of Reproductive Unrest

This book provides an important intervention into social reproduction theory and the politics of water by analyzing the conjuncture following the 2007 financial crisis through the lens of water expropriation and resistance. It reveals a crisis-ridden system marked by increasing reproductive unrest and makes a compelling argument for integrating the study of social movements within critical political economy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 21 March 2023
Publisher: Manchester University Press

This book is a significant contribution to social reproduction theory and the politics of water. By conducting an integrated comparison, it examines the aftermath of the 2007 financial crisis through the lens of water expropriation and resistance. This approach reveals how transnational capital has utilized and been facilitated by the strategic choices of both the Irish and Australian states, as well as the specific class formations that emerged in opposition to such water grabs. What becomes apparent is a crisis-ridden system characterized by escalating reproductive unrest, which is understood through the lens of social reproduction theory. As a valuable examination of two significant water struggles, the book makes a compelling case for integrating the study of social movements within critical political economy.

Introduction:
The book under review offers a valuable intervention into social reproduction theory and the politics of water. By presenting an integrated comparison, it analyzes the conjuncture following the 2007 financial crisis through the lens of water expropriation and resistance. This approach brings into view the ways in which transnational capital has utilized and been facilitated by the strategic selectivities of both the Irish and the Australian state, as well as the particular class formations that emerged in resistance to such water grabs.

Water Expropriation and Resistance:
The book begins by examining the historical context of water privatization in Ireland and Australia, highlighting the ways in which these processes have been shaped by the interplay of state power, corporate interests, and social movements. It then delves into the specific cases of water expropriation in both countries, highlighting the resistance and resilience of communities affected by these measures.

One of the key findings of the book is the way in which transnational capital has exploited the vulnerabilities of state institutions and regulatory frameworks to advance its interests. It highlights the ways in which corporate actors have used legal and political strategies to secure access to water resources, often at the expense of local communities and the environment. The book also sheds light on the ways in which state agencies have been complicit in these processes, either through direct coercion or through the selective enforcement of regulations.

In response to these challenges, the book explores the emergence of social movements and resistance movements in both Ireland and Australia. It highlights the ways in which these movements have mobilized communities, organized protests, and sought to reclaim control over water resources. The book also examines the strategies and tactics used by these movements, including the use of alternative forms of governance, the creation of alternative water sources, and the promotion of sustainable practices.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book provides a rich and nuanced analysis of the politics of water expropriation and resistance. It sheds light on the ways in which transnational capital has exploited the vulnerabilities of state institutions and regulatory frameworks to advance its interests, while also highlighting the resilience and creativity of communities in the face of such challenges. The book makes a compelling argument for integrating the study of social movements and movements within critical political economy, recognizing the importance of understanding the social and political dimensions of economic processes in order to develop effective strategies for social change.

Weight: 520g
Dimension: 163 x 242 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526165985