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Decolonial Perspectives on Transnational Advocacy of and with the Mapuche: A Critical Examination of Solidarity and Power Relations

Oscar Bell

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Published in Weaving Solidarity: Decolonial Perspectives On Transnational Advocacy Of And With The Mapuche (Edition Politik 123)

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The Mapuche are an indigenous people of Chile and Argentina who have a long history of resistance to colonization and oppression. In recent decades, there has been growing international solidarity with the Mapuche, and a number of transnational advocacy campaigns have been launched to support their struggle for land rights, cultural autonomy, and self-determination.

Weaving Solidarity: Decolonial Perspectives on Transnational Advocacy of and with the Mapuche (Edition Politik 123)

Weaving Solidarity: Decolonial Perspectives on Transnational Advocacy of and with the Mapuche (Edition Politik Book 123)

by Sebastian Garbe

5 out of 5

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However, some critics have argued that transnational advocacy often fails to adequately address the power relations and colonial legacies that shape the Mapuche's experiences of oppression. They argue that transnational advocacy can sometimes be paternalistic and can impose external solutions on the Mapuche without taking into account their own perspectives and priorities.

In this article, we will examine decolonial perspectives on transnational advocacy of and with the Mapuche. We will argue that a decolonial approach to transnational advocacy requires a critical examination of the power relations and colonial legacies that shape the Mapuche's experiences of oppression. We will also call for a more critical and reflexive approach to transnational advocacy, one that is based on solidarity and respect for the Mapuche's own self-determination and struggles.

Decolonial Perspectives on Transnational Advocacy

Decolonial perspectives on transnational advocacy are based on the recognition that the world is shaped by power relations and colonial legacies that continue to disadvantage indigenous peoples and other marginalized groups. Decolonial scholars argue that transnational advocacy must be based on a critical understanding of these power relations and colonial legacies.

Decolonial perspectives also emphasize the importance of solidarity and respect for the self-determination of indigenous peoples. Decolonial scholars argue that transnational advocacy should be based on a relationship of equals, and that it should support the Mapuche's own struggles for land rights, cultural autonomy, and self-determination.

A Critical Examination of Solidarity and Power Relations

A critical examination of solidarity and power relations is essential for a decolonial approach to transnational advocacy. Solidarity is often understood as a simple act of support for a cause or a group of people. However, solidarity is more than just a feeling or an intention. It is a practice that requires a commitment to understanding and addressing the power relations and colonial legacies that shape the experiences of oppression.

In the case of transnational advocacy for the Mapuche, it is important to recognize that the Mapuche are not a passive or helpless group. They have a long history of resistance to colonization and oppression, and they have their own perspectives and priorities for their struggle. Transnational advocacy must be based on a respect for the Mapuche's own self-determination and their own struggles.

It is also important to recognize that power relations and colonial legacies shape the ways in which transnational advocacy is carried out. For example, transnational advocacy campaigns often rely on the resources and expertise of Northern-based organizations. This can create a power imbalance between Northern-based organizations and the Mapuche organizations that they are supporting.

It is important to be aware of these power relations and to take steps to mitigate their effects. For example, Northern-based organizations should work to build relationships with Mapuche organizations on an equal footing. They should also be willing to listen to the Mapuche's perspectives and to support their own struggles.

Towards a More Critical and Reflexive Transnational Advocacy

A decolonial approach to transnational advocacy requires a more critical and reflexive approach to transnational advocacy. This means that transnational advocates must be willing to examine their own assumptions and biases. They must also be willing to listen to the perspectives of the people they are supporting and to support their own struggles.

A more critical and reflexive transnational advocacy will be more effective in supporting the Mapuche's struggle for land rights, cultural autonomy, and self-determination. It will also be more respectful of the Mapuche's own perspectives and priorities.

Transnational advocacy can be a powerful tool for supporting the Mapuche's struggle for land rights, cultural autonomy, and self-determination. However, it is important to recognize that transnational advocacy is not always neutral or without its own power dynamics. A decolonial approach to transnational advocacy requires a critical examination of the power relations and colonial legacies that shape the Mapuche's experiences of oppression. It also requires a more critical and reflexive approach to transnational advocacy, one that is based on solidarity and respect for the Mapuche's own self-determination and struggles.

Weaving Solidarity: Decolonial Perspectives on Transnational Advocacy of and with the Mapuche (Edition Politik Book 123)

by Sebastian Garbe

5 out of 5