“Differences in Conflict in the Struggle over Natural Resources: A Political Ecology Framework”

By: Arturo Escobar

Arturo Escobar’s article examines the ownership in the sphere of environmental issues. In order to examine this concept, he delves deeper into economics and cultural issues under redefined frameworks of what “nature” is. Arturo argues that the pluralistic ideas in regard to ownership and management of natural resources are important to support and protect because there are power dynamics at play that systematically shut those voices out, and they are important players in the global environment. The problem Arturo tries to navigate is how, then, do we navigate these differences without creating and playing into a hierarchy? Arturo argues that when economic connections are removed from the system, it removes connections to the concept of the “other”. Arturo concludes by addressing how an “ecology of difference that aims towards plurality” is the best means of achieving the concept of ‘peace’. I think that this article would have benefitted from case studies or examples that show how an ecology of difference brings about stronger environmental outcomes. While I agree with the importance of pluralism, I think this article could have made a stronger argument for it had it had one section that stepped outside of a theoretical framework. Furthermore, the issue of ownership also intersects with concepts of the “commons” that have unique political influences that were also not fully addressed in this piece.