The extractive imperative and the boom in environmental conflicts at the end of the progressive cycle in Latin America

This paper introduces the special issue on the ‘Extractive Imperative in Latin America’. It highlights the rise in conflicts over the intensification and deepening of extractive activities in the region, especially countries associated with the Left Turn. Given the nature of the extractive imperative, which results in an approach to development where more extraction emerges as the response to all internal and external challenges, this brief introduction also argues that these conflicts are set to continue and intensify even if commodity prices remain below their historic highs or if the progressive governments are voted out of office.