Cindy McCulligh, C. (2023). Sewer of Progress: Corporations, Institutionalized Corruption, and the Struggle for the Santiago River. MIT Press. ISBN 9780262545921 (paper back US$50)/ 9780262374941 (ebook/Open access)
(URL: https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262545921/sewer-of-progress/ )
James Mestaz
Sonoma State University
To cite this review: Mestaz, J. (2024). Review of “Sewer of Progress : Corporations, Institutionalized Corruption, and the Struggle for the Santiago River”, MIT Press 2023, by Cindy McCulligh, Water Alternatives, https://www.water-alternatives.org/index.php/boh/item/378-sewer
What happens when “The Mexican Silicon Valley” is situated on the shores of one of the largest rivers in Mexico that also houses a mini–Niagara Falls? This book brilliantly brings to life the pitfalls of free market environmentalism meeting institutionalized corruption, or more specifically the devastating results of Jalisco officials sacrificing the health of their river, human populations, and flora and fauna in exchange for economic growth. The highlights of the book include the detailed explanation of why developing countries have no incentive to protect water quality, the collaboration between environmental organizations trying to save the river, and the myth of Transnational Corporations self-regulating and abiding by international environmental standards. The author systematically combines historical evidence with empirical data, abiding by the impeccable and thorough research of a talented journalist and theoretical analysis that can match any scholar. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in how Mexico, and the rest of the world can become better river stewards by instituting more democratic and just practices.
