Global Politics of Water

Power/Knowledge/Agency in Water Governance

Vandana Asthana

Associate Professor, Government Department

Eastern Washington University

Cheney, WA

Water issues remain one of the major challenges in our contemporary world. The crisis of water commonly understood as water scarcity is currently recognized more as a crisis of governance.  Admittedly, water is a transnational resource and impacts of the processes of globalization and transnational activism have led to the institutionalization of a system of Global Water Governance (GWG).  This presentation explores the case study of water privatization in New Delhi, India, and demonstrates that in the processes of global water governance, power, knowledge and agency play a significant role in defining spaces of engagement that privilege certain voices and versions, and exclude others. 

Lunch will be provided.
Those wishing to come at 12:30 for the lecture only are welcome, including student groups and classes.