2025/03/06 by Felipe Livert, Xabier Gainza, Pablo Herrera Rivera · 1 voice
Social Sciences · Arts and Humanities · #Peacebuilding and International Security #Politics and Society in Latin America #Marxism and Critical Theory
paper · doi:10.1093/cjres/rsaf004
openalex publication_date 2025/03/06 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/06/23
Abstract Megaprojects are electoral magnets due to their transformative power, but they also raise strong opposition. Using a Regression Discontinuity Design, this paper assesses the impact on presidential elections of Mapuche attacks and protests at two strategic road infrastructures. Mapuche uses a repertoire of non-conventional actions in their struggle with the Chilean state seeking self-determination. Estimations reveal that attacks reduce the likelihood of victory for the governing coalition at nearby polling stations, while protests have no effect. We interpret these results as a contest in the symbolic sphere to oppose the narratives of modernity and unity that highways embody.