Vivir Bien as an Alternative to Neoliberal Globalization

Eija Ranta is university lecturer in development studies at the University of Helsinki.

"A comprehensive and timely contribution to indigenous governmentality, development, and decolonization scholarship. Ranta makes excellent job in examining diverse approaches to Vivir Bien in Bolivian policy transformations." - Pirjo Kristiina Virtanen, Assistant Professor, Indigenous Studies, University of Helsinki, Finland."In this historical moment of crisis and disillusionment, this book offers us an introduction to a novel and powerful concept. Ranta writes with precision and passion, rooted in the Andes but contributing to cosmopolitan discussions." - Eduardo Gudynas, Director, Latin American Center of Social Ecology (CLAES), Uruguay."Can indigenous ideas not just challenge but transform the postcolonial nation state? Ranta’s book interrogates our understanding of indigeneity and of the modern, globalised nation state as well. It demonstrates how indigeneity is not simply a discourse of marginality but how it challenges the very notion of how citizens – of all backgrounds – relate to the state. Based on a deeply rich ethnography of bureaucracy, Ranta’s book explores what happens when indigeneity enters into the heart of the nation state." - Andrew Canessa, University of Essex, UK.

• 1. Introduction: Vivir Bien as a post-neoliberal alternative in the global world 2. Towards decolonial government 3. Indigenous resistance struggles, coloniality of the state and the capitalist world-system: A historical view 4. Contested meanings of Vivir Bien 5. "Colonialism strikes back": Vivir Bien as bureaucratic practice and technical expertise 6. Bureaucracy as a disciplinary power 7. In the name of Vivir Bien: Legitimizing extractive conflicts? 8. Concluding remarks