The biopolitics of water: Resource, infrastructure and hydro-social configurations

Abstract

This paper considers the possibility of water as a resource for peace with North Korea. FIrst, the author explains the "biopolitics" approach to the study of water and power. Next, the author defines two questions central to the possibility of water as a resource for peace: 1] Who will control the process of mobilizing water, and 2] Who will gain power from achieving peace? Three case studies from international panoramas are presented: 1] The Panama Canal, 2] The Nicaragua Canal, 3] The Diquis Hydroelectric Project. Finding the common problems and issues from these case studies, recommendations are made by the author for pursuing water-mobilizing projects in cooperation with North Korea.