In the world’s quest for a greener and more sustainable future, lithium has emerged as a critical metal. In fact, the majority of the world’s lithium resources could be found in the so-called ...Show moreIn the world’s quest for a greener and more sustainable future, lithium has emerged as a critical metal. In fact, the majority of the world’s lithium resources could be found in the so-called ‘Lithium Triangle’ region – comprising Argentina, Chile and Bolivia. Consequently, this region’s role in facilitating global sustainable growth becomes increasingly pivotal, especially in the (near) future. It is therefore of crucial importance for all stakeholders involved in the global supply chain of lithium-ion batteries to understand what drives and shapes lithium governance in the ‘Lithium Triangle’ countries. To achieve the latter, this thesis argues that an explanation of a country’s approach to lithium governance should go beyond a narrow focus on its relationship with commodity prices. Instead, it should engage with a wide range of ideological, cultural, social, historical and economic factors too. By taking such a holistic approach, this thesis seeksto explain differences in lithium governance and, subsequently, the attitude towards transnational lithium companies (TLCs) among the ‘Lithium Triangle’ countries observed over the past fifteen years. As a result, this thesis not only contributes to an increased understanding of lithium governance within the ‘Lithium Triangle’ region. More generally, it also sheds light on what factors influence a country’s natural resource governance, placing it somewhere on the continuum between resource nationalism and resource liberalism.Show less
