(Re)making the margins: Frontier assemblages and brokerage in Hambantota, Sri Lanka

Goodhand, Jonathan; Walton, Oliver

Abstract

This article examines the dynamics of brokerage surrounding two moments of rupture (the tsunami and the end of the war) in Hambantota, a district in southern Sri Lanka and a key site of frontier development. We contrast the two development assemblages that emerged from these moments, examining how structural transformations shape the dynamics of brokerage, and how brokers mediate the effects of these transformations. By tracing the shifting fortunes of a local government broker, we reveal the changing power dynamics within these two assemblages, whilst highlighting how moments of rupture both open and shut down brokerage spaces.

Citation

Goodhand, J., & Walton, O. (2023). (Re)making the margins: Frontier assemblages and brokerage in Hambantota, Sri Lanka. Journal of International Development, 35(3), 459-477. https://doi.org/10.1002/jid.3651

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 12, 2022
• Online Publication Date: Mar 25, 2022
• Publication Date: Apr 1, 2023
• Deposit Date: Apr 5, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 5, 2022
• Journal: Journal of International Development
• Print ISSN: 0954-1748
• Electronic ISSN: 1099-1328
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 35
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 459-477
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/jid.3651
• Keywords: Special Issue Article, Special Issue Articles, assemblage, broker, brokerage, development, frontier, Hambantota, Sri Lanka
• Publisher URL: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jid.3651