The road to success

Da Silva, Arjuna (2023) The road to success. Masters thesis, Northern Arizona University.

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Abstract

By investigating the role of highways in the Brazilian Amazon rainforest, I emphasize the need to reassess the conventional approach to development that separates economic and environmental concerns. Arguing that the logic of purity, which treats these domains as mutually exclusive, should be replaced with an understanding of the world as already in ruination. Drawing upon Anna Tsing's ideas, the study proposes a form of salvage development that recognizes the interconnection of economic and environmental aspects, while acknowledging the inherent ruination driven by markets and/or states. The paper raises several questions concerning the costs and benefits of these contrasting approaches and explores the possibility of reconciling them through salvage development. This alternative paradigm is rooted in diversity, contamination, and ruination. Thus concluding that, sustainable road infrastructure in the Brazilian Amazon is essential for fostering social and economic growth while minimizing environmental harm.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Publisher’s Statement:	© Copyright is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the Cline Library, Northern Arizona University. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author.
Keywords:	Amazon; Brazil; Development; Highways; Roads; Salvage
Subjects:	J Political Science > JL Political institutions (America except United States)
NAU Depositing Author Academic Status:	Student
Department/Unit:	Graduate College > Theses and Dissertations College of Social and Behavioral Science > Politics and International Affairs
Date Deposited:	01 Oct 2025 16:58
Last Modified:	01 Oct 2025 16:58
URI:	https://openknowledge.nau.edu/id/eprint/6103

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