Mark Goodale

In this engaging discussion, Mark Goodale, an expert on Bolivia and author of the upcoming book on the lithium boom, dives into the history of extractivism in Bolivia. He introduces the concept of 'flexible extractivism,' demonstrating how it intertwines with Bolivia's gas exploration legacy. The conversation takes an intriguing turn as he examines the role of Silicon Valley in the lithium landscape and critiques the energy transition's continuation of petrostate logic, all while advocating for more sustainable futures.

Mark Goodale, a Professor of Cultural and Social Anthropology at the University of Lausanne, dives into the world of extractivism and lithium in Bolivia. He discusses the political economy tied to raw materials and how extractive practices shape futures. Goodale explores the complex interplay between green energy aspirations, local impacts, and historical patterns in Bolivian extractivism. He emphasizes the importance of ethnography in understanding community narratives amid a lithium rush, raising questions about who truly benefits from these global shifts.