Connecting the dots ...

I would like to share some brief reflections on my recent experience in a graduate summer school at York University IPEESS (International Political Economy and Ecology Summer School 2011), followed by a conference and SSHRC funded workshop on the future of global governance. The title for the course was New Constitutionalism and Global Political Economy. 

"What we need is more 'demos-prudence' instead of jurisprudence"- Upendra Baxi 

Richard Falk- Left

I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to interact with a roster of leading lawyers and political economists and theorists, most notably Stephen Gill, Richard Falk, Upendra Baxi, Claire Cutler, Isabella Bakker, Ran Hirschl, Saskia Sassen, Janine Brodie and a few others regarding the developments in the recent past of our global political economy (particularly since the 80's) which have been labeled as a form of new constitutionalism; one which "locks-in" through legal (politico-juridical) mechanisms, specific frameworks and regulations that insulate neoliberal capitalism from democratic power. A particular session was on the topic of "enclosure of the commons",  during which water was a field of contestation. The interesting dialectic between water as a fundamental human right and the ongoing process of its commodification, which I have discussed in earlier blogs, and the ensuing discussions revealed the key to a missing link in my analysis for my future research project. 

The process of commodification of water (and the environment- i.e the creation of "weather derivatives" to commodify the risks involved with climate change)  is not only adopted as a market mechanism for greater capital accumulation, but in fact has also been constitutionalised, in a sense, through international, national and otherwise neo-forms of agreements and binding treaties, very much in tandem with neoliberal trade and investment frameworks. This has been severely affecting ecological practices and social reproduction, and has in fact reshaped our normative understandings of water. 


It is now my goal to further research what elements of new constitutionalism have been adopted (in other words the trends) in various geographical and social spaces and points of contact where neoliberal reforms in water policies have been employed and in instances met resistance. I believe the locations of resistance will unveil the cause of contestation. The "what" that is being contested, I speculate will be evidence of a similar pattern through which neoliberal capitalism has further infiltrated into areas of the environment and basic human needs (ie water) and is deeply infringing on and threatening local livelihoods. I hope as my research unfolds, I will better connect the dots...

On this note, "Abuela Grillo" is a very symbolic and short clip- shared with me by a friend from Brazil- on the water wars in Bolivia. It really encompasses the dialectical relationship between locals as stewards of water resources, their lack of appreciation of this resource at a certain point, and the process of exploitation by capitalism- and tells the story through the personification of water by the wonderful character of Abuela Grillo.   

Water Changes Everything

Comprehensive yet strikingly simple video created by Charity:Water, narrating the importance of water to every facet of life. Takes me back to the very first WWB seminar discussion on ways of presenting the water crisis to grab audiences' attention and point to its magnitude. For reference, take a look at my first blog. Enjoy.

From Books to Reality: A note on my experience in Kenya

Photo credit: Harris Switzman

The purpose of our WWB field assignment in Kenya was to observe first hand the impact of water policies on communities that lack basic access to clean and sustainable water. However, the trip extended far beyond its mere research significance and resulted in a plethora of unforgettable experiences and cultural exposure. I personally left with a new-found positive perspective: change lies not in the boardrooms of donor agencies, international organizations or behind closed doors of public servants' boardrooms; it lies in the adamance and perseverance  of people to provide their families and communities with access to clean drinking water. 


As I will be addressing in my final Masters Research Project, there has been much research and funding focused on urban centers in developing countries, in terms of adequate water provision. However, a majority of rural populations have been, as a result, excluded and marginalized. This is the case particularly as the indebted public service system is unable to financially support expanding pipelines or infrastructure, the private sector is uninterested in investing where the margin or profits are low (or non-existent) and  local commercial actors are exploiting locals by charging more than public utilities would. As I like to depict it, in the concerted effort at the international and national platforms to resolve the tragedy of the commons, the poor in rural regions of developing countries are commoners left in a state of tragedy; fending for themselves for access to clean water and in some case... to just water.

Wandiege Water Project: Consumption Rates & Costs

I was very interested in the organization and governance mechanisms of self-help water projects we visited. I learned in some cases, they were initiated by members of these rural, poor and marginalized communities, led by a democratically chosen leader, volunteers managing funds from donors, and fully maintained and expanded by the community through charging social tariffs that ensure affordability and sustainability. Learning about the impact a small contribution from an international organization can have resonated with me. I also had the rare opportunity, on several occasions, to conduct rigorous interviews with local public officials, local community members and project coordinators, local NGOs, and greatly enjoyed the meetings with the officials at UNEP, UNHabitat and the Lake Victoria Basin Commission.

Director of SANA, local NGO

If I were to choose one significant moment on the trip (hard as it is!), it would be the community prepared lunch at Abala, where each one of us felt incredibly overwhelmed with the generous hospitality. Even with little in their possession, our friends at Abala did not fail to give a lot, with the generosity of their singing, dancing and radiant smiles. The valuable experience and knowledge I gained will carry with me and will be directly incorporated into my current and future research and professional pursuits.

Abala Community Water Project