Institutions and Eco-Conflict: Community Protests against Fossil Fuel Production

• In Event: Power and Conflict in Environmental Politics

Abstract

When do indigenous and other affected populations mobilize against the negative externalities of fossil fuel production? Drawing on insights from social movement theory and environmental studies, we argue that institutional attributes of governments—potential mediators to their conflict against fossil fuel companies—shape mobilization decisions of affected populations in predictable ways. Democratic regimes offer greater opportunities for affected populations to influence policy through protests, both peaceful and violent, than non-democratic ones. Land tenure security guaranteed by governments builds confidence among affected populations that their objectives can be better achieved through institutions rather than violence. To test these hypotheses, we conduct a statistical analysis of ecological conflicts involving 169 fossil fuel companies in 66 countries, 1990-2013.

Authors

• Andrew Sungmin Cheon, Johns Hopkins University

• Shiteng Kang