CEU Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2024
| Author | Gregoire, Alexis |
|---|---|
| Title | Resource diplomacy and hydropower development: China's strategic engagement in the Brazilian Amazon and Cerrado regions |
| Summary | This thesis examines the ecological and societal effects of Chinese investments in hydroelectric projects in the Brazilian Amazon and Cerrado regions. The issue to debate is whether these initiatives, which are motivated by China's need for resources, in particular soy beans, offer economic advantages and infrastructure growth, while also presenting higher environmental and social risks in comparison to projects headed by other collaborators, national or international partners. The methodology entails conducting case studies on the Itaipu Dam, Ilha Solteira Dam, and the projected Tapajós Hydroelectric Complex, using the DPSIR framework for analysis. The primary findings indicate that Chinese investments have greatly enhanced Brazil's infrastructure and economy, as evidenced by the control of 10% of Brazil's energy generation by businesses such as China State Grid (CSG), China Three Gorges Corporation (CTG), and State Power Investment Corp (SPIC). Nevertheless, these ventures lead to significant socioeconomic displacement and ecological harm, similar to national projects, due to a strong agro-business lobby and other factors like corruption and lack of representation for impacted communities . The research findings indicate that Chinese-led hydropower projects have economic benefits but require comprehensive mitigation plans to tackle the substantial environmental and social difficulties they pose for them to become better for Brazil. |
| Supervisor | Bodenstein, Thilo |
| Department | Public Policy MA |
| Full text | https://www.etd.ceu.edu/2024/gregoire_alexis.pdf |
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