Pétropolitiques du fracking dans  le  Magdalena Medio en Colombie

Abstract

Adopting a multidisciplinary approach, this article analyzes the petropolitics of the exploitation of unconventional hydrocarbons in pilot fracking projects located in Colombia, in the Magdalena Medio region. Based on fieldwork, it examines how oil companies strive to rebuild a relationship with the local population, while environmental risks give rise to strong social mobilization. The regional context of systematic violence against the leaders of grassroots organizations casts doubt on the transparency of business practices. We thus conclude that conventional petropolitics is perpetuated, as it fails to respect human rights and environmental standards.

Keywords

• petropolitics
• fracking
• Colombia
• unconventional hydrocarbons
• environmental struggles
• fossil fuels