CRC Press Conflicts over Natural Resources in the Global South: Conceptual Approaches

Inhabitants of poor, rural areas in the Global South heavily depend on natural resources in their immediate vicinity. Conflicts over and exploitation of these resources – whether it is water, fish, wood fuel, minerals, or land – severely affect their livelihoods. The contributors to this volume leave behind the polarised debate, previously surrounding the relationship between natural resources and conflict, preferring a more nuanced approach that allows for multiple causes at various levels. The contributions cover a wide array of resources, geographical contexts (Africa, Asia and Latin America), and conflict dynamics. Most are of a comparative nature, exploring experiences of conflict as well as cooperation in multiple regions. This volume finds its origin in an innovative research programme with the acronym CoCooN, steered by The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO/WOTRO) and involving universities and civil society partners in many countries. It presents the conceptual approaches adhered to by each of seven interdisciplinary projects, ranging from green criminology and political ecology to institutional analysis, legal pluralism and identity politics. The volume will be of interest to academics and practitioners concerned with an understanding of conflict as well as cooperation over natural resources. About the Author Maarten Bavinck is associate professor at the Department of Geography, Planning and International Development Studies of the University of Amsterdam, and director of the social-science Centre for Maritime Research (MARE). He specializes on coastal and marine governance and legal pluralism, particularly with regard to South Asia. Lorenzo Pellegrini is senior lecturer at the International Institute of Social Studies of Erasmus University, and part of the chair group on Economics of Sustainable Development. He has recently authored a volume on Corruption, Development and the Environment (Springer, 2011) Erik Mostert is lecturer within the Water Resources Management group of Delft University of Technology. His research focuses on water policy and law, and collaboration processes in water management.