LAND REFORM IN THE ERA OF NEOLIBERALISM: CASE STUDIES FROM THE GLOBAL SOUTH

摘要: This is a propitious moment in which to research and write about land reform. For example, as Zimbabwe's "fast-track" program exemplifies, land-reform efforts aiming address the unequal distribution of specific national contexts can have broad impacts grab headlines worldwide. And other places, such South Africa, Brazil, Venezuela, Philippines, are creating tensions over land. The contemporary contested place, meaning, potential reform therefore demands further scholarly research. examine also stands out because rising global commodity prices, look set continue their steady appreciation and, concomitantly, threaten food crises associated widespread social unrest. We sense that governments populations experiencing bills for imported foodstuffs or, indeed, shortages unprepared tackle maldistributions via new efforts, but leftward turn electorates Venezuela Bolivia renewed urgency with programs seem likely be pursued there suggest us left-leaning may issue. Although Zimbabwe looked like radical outlier early 2000s, we wonder whether its presaged phase reform, especially given joint pressures prices climate change. Beyond these examples, geohistorical studies timely light changes ways conceived pursued. Land once occupied prominent place debates regarding "development." era so-called classic redistributionist different reasons by communist/socialist well capitalist/modernizing states, targeted large landholdings, usually hands an elite. Socialists capitalists alike considered untenable, albeit very reasons. protagonists at opposite ends political spectrum, therefore, was central economic sociopolitical development. Faced acute crises, moreover, numerous newly independent countries extensive state-led agendas. period has ended (Bernstein 2002), although cannot completely rule return. Worldwide, state achieving "development" come under attack neoliberal theorists. Political hegemonic forces development lending communities now trust power market penetration, rather than intervention. Across world, alliance promotes most efficient equitable mechanism promoting (Harvey 2003). In realm current state's ability shape agrarian relations, or dictate path rural more generally, weak. Consequently, international reassessed vehicle delivering change--perhaps some extent justifiably. Such approaches were far from perfect: elites co-opted many attempts needs, while designed assist poor only alienated them even further. According observers, appropriate approach market-led (MLAR) variations thereof (Deininger 1999). Reformers who support MLAR call acquisition willing sellers paid full values states beneficiaries should want use redistributed commercial purposes. model seeks departure contested, protracted, coercive methods redistribution. …