Transnational political economic structures: explaining transnational environmental movements against dams in the lower Mekong region

Influenced by regional economic integration and politics, the transboundary common water resources in lower Mekong River are being exploited riparian states for hydroelectric dam development at expense of local livelihoods environment. Affected communities non-governmental organisations – formed into ‘transnational environmental movements’ (TEMs) framework transnational activism have challenged these to abandon construction on main stream River. This paper explores conditions that undermine TEMs’ ability cancel projects region. argues that, among several other factors, TEMs were unable halt primarily due political structures (TPES) possess dams mainstream. TPES shape sovereign power making decisions regarding extracting value from resource environment rather than complying with demands TEMs. By factoring understanding outcomes TEMs, this contributes opportunity networks movements, economy resources.