Locust swarms and the spatial techno-politics of the French Resistance in World War II

摘要: Abstract This article investigates why and how efforts to control Desert Locusts in Northwestern Africa became a strategic concern for the French Resistance during Second World War. I analyze record of 1943 conference convened discuss on-going locust plagues Africa. The analysis suggests that “locust problem” provided field technocrats innovate re-present new modes government. More specifically, authorities exile prioritized organizing against Locust part because spatial extent insect’s biophysical specificities an ideal reinvent spatiality legitimacy Empire as transnational constructive federation techno-scientific benevolence, uniting all its colonies common enemies. work provides different perspective on questions ‘fit’ between institutions ecosystems by highlighting dynamic relationships material demands object(s) management concerns, scientific knowledge about said object(s), imperatives authoritative legitimacy. paper highlights (1) selection stabilization ecological problems solutions, (2) their adoption within logic imperative institutions, (3) emergence specific apparatus rule together bear given socio-ecological dynamics become “seen” adopted mandates agencies, they are represented, what particular technological or institutional arrangement is favored (and by) management.