ABSTRACT
The central hypothesis of this volume is that conflict over resource extraction may lead to progressive institutional change (see Bebbington and Bury 2009). According to this hypothesis, pressure from critics may help to reform state policies regarding resource extraction. The case studies address the terms and conditions for successful reform and impediments to progressive change. They identify failed opportunities when the state responds to protest in an authoritarian manner, or when local and international NGOs cannot agree on common goals. They also consider changes to policy that do not meet the needs or expectations of the communities most directly affected by resource extraction.
