Conversando con Goliat. Participación, movilización y represión en torno a conflictos neoextractivistas y ambientales [Conversing with Goliath: Partcipation , mobilization and repression in neoextractivist and environmental conflicts]

This working paper/report provides the initial findings of the first phase of the project entitled 'Conversing with Goliath', funded by the British Academy (2017-2020). The findings are mostly based on a legal analysis of extractive projects in Mexico which underline the participatory institutions this legal framework contains. The report also presents information of 40 in-depth interviews conducted to government officials, NGOs and academics with knowledge about the extractive sector in the country and results of a national survey of experts on the topic from the private, public and third sectors. The report presents a summary of the existing participative institutions, their limitations and challenges in the implementation of the extractive regulation. The findings underline the lack of coordination between different tiers of government and their agencies and the historical problems that have characterised weak participation in Mexico.