Socio-Environmental Movements Against Extractivism: Legal Mobilisation and Resistance in Chile

This book offers an unprecedented exploration into the heart of socio-environmental conflicts and mobilisations sparked by extractive projects in Latin America, with a keen focus on Chile’s unique position. It provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of the intricate power dynamics between communities, corporations, and the state over environmental and territorial disputes. Delving into the contentious politics perspective, this book examines how political opportunities, organisational resources, and discursive frames developed by communities—and the strategic mobilisation of law—play a crucial role in shaping resistance against extractive projects. These conflicts are not just local disputes but are emblematic of broader environmental and political-economic transformations that challenge our understanding of sustainability, governance, and community rights. The relevance of this topic cannot be overstated in today’s global context, where environmental issues and Indigenous rights are increasingly at the forefront of political debates. By analysing the micro-foundations of contentious politics through the lens of Chile’s socio-environmental movements, this book sheds light on the mechanisms that underpin socio-legal mobilisation and protest. It offers a detailed comparison of three significant social contestation processes in Chile, providing insights into the varying strategies, aims, and resources of communities that stand against the environmental impacts of extractive industries. Furthermore, this book critically engages with classical theories of social mobilisation, adding empirical evidence and theoretical advancements to the discussion. It also considers the impact of geographical location, the phase of extractive projects, and the composition of social movements on the effectiveness of mobilisation efforts—both in the courtroom and on the streets.

Sebastian Smart is a human rights lawyer with a background in academia and advocacy. He currently serves as senior research fellow at Anglia Ruskin University, and previously, he was the regional director for the Chilean National Human Rights Institution and a researcher at Universidad Austral de Chile. Sebastian has also worked extensively in non-governmental organizations in Chile, the United Kingdom, and Haiti, focusing on diverse human rights issues, including economic, social, and cultural rights and the impact of digital technology on human rights.