Proxy-led accountability for natural resource extraction in rentier states

Kramarz, Teresa, Mason, Michael ORCID: 0000-0002-8831-0593 and Partzsch, Lena (2023) Proxy-led accountability for natural resource extraction in rentier states. Environmental Politics, 32 (1). 113 - 134. ISSN 0964-4016

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Abstract

The resource curse literature suggests that, in fragile states dependent on natural resource rents, structures of public accountability are weak because of an elite-controlled political economy indifferent to social and ecological interests. We examine accountability claims made by non-domestic proxy actors, holding governments and corporations accountable on behalf of communities adversely affected by natural resources extraction. This conceptualization is suggested by proxy-led transnational mobilization against mining-related damage in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We identify an ‘hourglass’ structure of proxy actor engagement with affected communities: In a first phase, proxies rely on public mechanisms to define standards remotely. In a second phase, proxies ‘narrow’ the gap by seeking compliance information from affected communities. However, in a third phase this gap ‘widens’ again when proxies remotely seek sanctions against responsible actors. We discuss the applicability of this heuristic framework to proxy-led accountability practices in other natural resource-dependent rentier states.

Item Type:	Article
Official URL:	https://www.tandfonline.com/journals/fenp20
Additional Information:	© 2022 The Authors
Divisions:	Geography & Environment
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor
Date Deposited:	16 Feb 2022 12:12
Last Modified:	20 Feb 2025 17:05
URI:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/113757

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