Political Ecology of Development

The course is an examination of the Political Ecology of Development. We will look at the interdisciplinary field of Political Ecology, the study of ecological distribution conflicts and the ways in which power affects access over resources as well as opportunities for human-centred development. Drawing from a range of approaches in Political Ecology—particularly, ecological economics, post-structuralism and neo-Marxism—we will introduce and discuss key concepts and theoretical frameworks that underlie the contemporary critique of development and growth. We will then explore these issues through analysing empirical case studies of struggles around development and natural resource extraction in different parts of the world. We will discuss also current literature about the compatibility of growth-based development with environmental sustainability, and introduce debates about post-development and alternatives to economic growth.

Course leader

Giorgos Kallis (ICREA-Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona)

Target group

The IBEI Summer School in Global Politics, Development and Security is a program designed for graduate students and all those who have an interest in advanced knowledge of international security, international development and global politics issues. The objective is to offer different short courses on significant topics, taught by scholars and experts of international prestige. The School will enable participants to broadly discuss - in and out the classroom - current developments in world politics in the light of core social-science and IR theories and perspectives. A social program for networking will be also available to participants. Optionally, students may ask for an assessment in order to be able to obtain ECTS credits, provided they are recognized by their university.

Course aim

The course is an examination of the Political Ecology of Development. We will look at the interdisciplinary field of Political Ecology, the study of ecological distribution conflicts and the ways in which power affects access over resources as well as opportunities for human-centred development. Drawing from a range of approaches in Political Ecology—particularly, ecological economics, post-structuralism and neo-Marxism—we will introduce and discuss key concepts and theoretical frameworks that underlie the contemporary critique of development and growth. We will then explore these issues through analysing empirical case studies of struggles around development and natural resource extraction in different parts of the world. We will discuss also current literature about the compatibility of growth-based development with environmental sustainability, and introduce debates about post-development and alternatives to economic growth.

Credits info

2 EC
Participants have the opportunity to gain ECTS credits if they are recognized by their universities.

10 hour course: 2 credits = Complete the course + daily assignments / project work

Fee info

EUR 250: Fee for Students. Discount pricing for participants taking more than one course (2 courses 20%; 3 courses 30%; 4 courses 40%).
Early bird discount: an additional 10% discount for full payments received on or before 10 June 2019
EUR 400: Fee for Professionals/Researchers. Discount pricing for participants taking more than one course (2 courses 20%; 3 courses 30%; 4 courses 40%).
Early bird discount: an additional 10% discount for full payments received on or before 10 June 2019

Scholarships

A number of scholarships to cover full or half course fees will be available. In addition to the application requirements, to apply for a scholarship, interested persons must send to IBEI until 13th May 2019, a letter of interest and a recommendation let