The politics of water in rural China: governmentality, hydrosocial territories, and ecological civilization

Summary

This dissertation explores water politics in rural China, focusing on how the government shapes water policies and local practices. It includes a policy review, village-level case studies, and an analysis of China's ecological civilization policy. The study highlights the complex relationship between water, society, technology, and power, filling a gap in existing water studies in China. By examining how the state influences local water management and how villagers respond, the research provides a deeper understanding of the political nature of China's water challenges.