David versus Goliath in Cochabamba - Water rights, neoliberalism, and the revival of social protest in Bolivia

This article on water rights in Cochabamba, Bolivia, highlights the emergence of new organizations taking the lead in protest against structural adjustment programs. Neighborhood associations and potable-water committees were in the forefront of the mobilization to prevent the privatization of the area's water supply by a transnationl consortium. Once marginal participants, peasants and indigenous people displaced the traditional political leadership groups in civil society. The resolution of the conflict raises important issues about populist organizing goals and strategy. For one thing, the Coordinadora that led the struggle did not incorporate as a new formal organization but decided to remain a network of organizations for the foreseeable future. For another, the restructured water company emphasized popular participation by giving workers representation on the new management board. Both of these actions are interesting examples to be studied and observed over time.