Social movements opposing Mega Projects : A rhizome of resistance to the neoliberal hydra?

Sammanfattning: The aim of this degree project is to provide a description of the social movements that struggle against mega projects in Europe and of the relations between them. A body of literature on neoliberalism sets the context in which these struggles take place. The concept of rhizome, encompassing characters of multiplicity, heterogeneity, horizontality, is presented as a theoretical framework. These theoretical foundations are confronted with investigation on two levels. At a general level, internet-based research is carried out to map, at least in part, the constellation of movements involved. At a more focused level, participant observation is conducted in specific sites in order to grasp the ideas, discourses and meanings that colour the struggles. By setting the struggles in a wider political context and by experimenting alternative social and spatial practices, the rhizome of movements gives deeper significance to the contestation of mega projects and opens societal prospects.