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mekong-dams-in-the-drama-of-development

An article analysing the ‘drama’ of development that plays out in the justifications for hydroelectric and irrigation schemes. The author uses the examples of the Nam Theun 2 dam, the Huay Mong irrigation scheme, the Nam Oon irrigation and the Pak Mun dam. He uses the metaphor of a three-act play to explore the philosophy behind these projects and the way development unfolds. Act I features the heroes’ attempts to impose a simple technical fantasy on a complex landscape. In Act II, these attempts are opposed by the peoples and landscapes concerned. Act III -- the climax -- sees attempts to contain this resistance through increasingly convoluted excursions in manipulation, enclosure, compensation and seduction, each of which initiates a fresh dramatic plot.

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Additional Info

Field Value
Document type Analysis, discussion papers, and blogs
Language of document
  • English
Topics
  • Irrigation and water management
  • Water and sanitation infrastructure and facilities
  • Water policy and administration
  • Water rights
Geographic area (spatial range)
  • Cambodia
  • Viet Nam
  • Lao People's Democratic Republic
  • Thailand
  • Myanmar
  • China
Copyright Unclear copyright
Version / Edition 1
License unspecified
Author (individual) Larry Lohmann
Publisher The Corner House
Publication date 1998
Date uploaded May 29, 2015, 01:59 (UTC)
Date modified June 22, 2015, 08:06 (UTC)