Social dynamics surrounding oil exploitation in Colombia: a case study of BP’s activities in Casanare

Abstract

This interdisciplinary research aims to expose the responsibility of oil corporations operating in conflict-prone countries on the dynamics of the conflict itself and for human rights violations. In particular, the paper assesses the role of the oil industry in the conflict dynamics in Colombia. Based on two separate trips to and interviews in Colombia, the paper argues that oil activities have significantly contributed to exacerbate violence in the oil producing areas and that most oil corporations have inadequately responded to the social risks of operating in wartorn regions. The paper stresses the need for more field-based analysis on the role of the international private sector in Colombia and the effectiveness of corporate responses to mitigate or minimise destabilising effects of business activity. The research analysis is based on a case study of the department of Casanare which highlights the complexity of these issues in relation to the experiences of BPXC.

Published online: 11 December 2017