Uneven geographies of transnational capitalism in Laos

Kearrin Sims

Research output: Chapter in Book / Conference PaperChapter

Abstract

This chapter focuses on Laos, officially known as Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), which is both landlocked and considered one of the least developed countries in East Asia. It examines the consequences of rising foreign investment in the country, leaving aside details on who the major investing corporations in the country are, and looking instead at how transnational capitalist flows have been felt by some of the most disadvantaged and voiceless communities. To do this, the chapter will draw on 10 months of ethnographic analysis and 86 interviews with members of the Lao government, employees of international development organizations, and residents of Laos. Rather than focusing on key agents of transnational capitalism, the purpose here is to examine some of the social and spatial implications of greater transnational flows and investment. This includes the increasing centralization of development within Laos and the widespread displacement and marginalization of impoverished communities. Put simply, this chapter draws attention to the poverty-inducing consequences of new transnational capitalist flows within Laos.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationGlobalization and Transnational Capitalism in Asia and Oceania
EditorsJeb Sprague
Place of PublicationU.K.
PublisherRoutledge
Pages199-213
Number of pages15
ISBN (Electronic)9781315708447
ISBN (Print)9781138016224
Publication statusPublished - 2016

Keywords

  • Laos
  • economic development
  • globalization
  • capitalism
  • developing countries

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