Extractivisms

Abstract

Extractivism in its diverse forms is presented as an indispensable means of promoting development, but at the same time it is the object of growing questioning and resistance by citizens, popular sector organizations and social movements for its negative impacts. Extractivisms promote and need a certain type of state that is functional to the mode of appropriation of natural resources. In conservative administrations this is expressed by well-known situations, such as subordination to transnational corporations, deregulation of investments and exports. While all South American extractivisms are implanted under formally democratic regimes, they promote a political style that is directed toward delegative democracy, and within it toward hyper-presidentialism. Extractivisms maintain a remarkable permanence. It can be argued that they have been present since colonial times, and that in their most recent expansion have contributed to consolidate conventional ideas about development as growth and Nature as a basket of natural resources to be exploited.