Water and Politics
Clientelism and Reform in Urban Mexico
Examines how public water service becomes a political tool in Mexican cities and uncovers the politics of water provision in developing democracies
Description
Most of the world’s population lives in cities in developing countries, where access to basic public services, such as water, electricity, and health clinics, is either inadequate or sorely missing. Water and Politics shows how politicians benefit politically from manipulating public service provision for electoral gain. In many young democracies, politicians exchange water service for votes or political support, rewarding allies or punishing political enemies. Surprisingly, the political problem of water provision has become more pronounced, as water service represents a valuable political currency in resource-scarce environments.
Water and Politics finds that middle-class and industrial elites play an important role in generating pressure for public service reforms.
Veronica Herrera is a Political Scientist and Assistant Professor at UCLA’s Luskin School of Public Affairs, Urban Planning.
Reviews
Winner: American Political Science Association (APSA) 2018 Dennis Judd Best Book Award
- APSA Dennis Judd Best Book Award
News, Reviews, Interviews
Read: Veronica Herrera piece for The Conversation Link | 3/6/2018Read: Veronica Herrera interviewed for the World Policy Journal Link | 8/25/2017Read: Veronica Herrera interviewed for the Swarthmore College Bulletin Link | 8/2/2017Read/listen: Veronica Herrera interviewed for 1400 am Connecticut radio Link | 6/18/2017Read: Veronica Herrera interviewed for UConn Today Link | 5/18/2017Listen: Veronica Herrera interviewed for the New Books Network Link | 3/6/2017Read: Veronica Herrera in the Washington Post Monkey Cage Link | 2/28/2017