Fighting Globalization with Globalization: The Battle Between Indigenous People and MNC's in Peru.

Globalization, characterized by economic liberalization, has resulted in the growing power of corporate capital and MNCs. However, it has also provided opportunities for previously marginalized groups, such as indigenous peoples, to rescale their political claims and gain international support and legitimacy. This paper explores the double-edged sword of globalization for indigenous peoples in their struggle against mining companies in Peru, and the changing nature of their resistance: employing a collective identity, partnerships with international actors, and litigation. It concludes that the struggle actually provides indigenous peoples in Peru with a platform on which to voice their concerns on a global scale, which has ultimately given them more political power at the domestic level. As well, the role of the Peruvian state is analyzed in ignoring or suppressing indigenous rights through the endorsement of an economic development strategy, which starkly contrasts the sustainable and participatory development view advocated by indigenous communities [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]