Oil, Power, and Discourse: How Chevron Evaded its Dues to the Indigenous Communities of the Ecuadorian Amazon

<p><strong>Abstract</strong></p> <p>The principal objectives of this thesis were to shed lights on the backside of oil and to question the great power of big corporations. I researched why Chevron refused to acknowledge its legal obligation to remedy the complex problems it has caused in the Ecuadorian Rainforest. The catastrophes the indigenous communities have been facing are about to change as a result of grass root mobilization against Chevron. By the use of observations, discourse analysis of the media, and the use of theories from Michel Foucault, I was able to explain how Chevron has managed to escape from the terrible misconduct that took place in the region of Sucumbíos. As the observations portrayed, I experienced how two representatives from the Ecuadorian Amazon travelled far to confront Chevron CEO, John Watson, and the many supporters the two has. I additionally analyzed the role media has in this case and how its power can be greater than both Chevron and the plaintiffs’. Through the eyes of Foucault I have learned that power exists everywhere and there will always be a greater power controlling someone else’s power. I wanted this thesis to be about information around bad business of big corporations, but also about courage of a minority group. The indigenous communities have shown the world how they went against all odds and fought Chevron Corporation in a court, and won. </p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Arts in International Studies

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

International Studies

Year dc:date.available

2012

Author dc:creator

• Norland, Kine

Contributors dc:contributor

• Gerard Kuperus

• Oil
• Chevron
• indigenous communities
• region of Sucumbíos
• court case
• International Relations
• Latin American Studies
• Politics and Social Change
• Social Control, Law, Crime, and Deviance

Repository record dc:identifier

https://repository.usfca.edu/thes/47

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.usfca.edu:thes-1054