Entirely New and Very Old Water: Elemental Shifts in the Atacama Mining Desert's Relations with the Pacific, the Andes, and Chile.

The article explores the intersection of international history and environmental history, particularly in the context of the Atacama Desert in Chile, highlighting the implications of climate change and resource extraction. It critiques traditional geopolitical frameworks that focus on state-centered...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Publicado en:Diplomatic History Vol. 49; no. 3; pp. 413 - 436
Autor principal: Westermann, Andrea
Formato: Artículo
Publicado: Oxford University Press / USA Jun2025
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Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
Descripción
Sumario:The article explores the intersection of international history and environmental history, particularly in the context of the Atacama Desert in Chile, highlighting the implications of climate change and resource extraction. It critiques traditional geopolitical frameworks that focus on state-centered resource management and advocates for a "geopolitics from below," which considers a broader range of actors, including natural elements like water and glaciers. The study examines the emergence of two significant water sources in the region: desalinated seawater and rock glacier ice, emphasizing their elemental significance beyond mere economic resources. The article concludes that these water sources reflect a shift in Chile's relationship with its environment, moving from extractivist practices to a more reciprocal engagement with the Earth.