Rickard Lalander

Rickard Lalander is a Professor in Global Development Studies/Environmental Science at Södertörn University, affiliated with the School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies. A political scientist and sociologist, he specializes in Latin American studies with a focus on Bolivia, Ecuador, and Venezuela. His work bridges development studies, cultural and environmental sociology, political economy, and decolonial theory.

• Research Programs: Development and International Cooperation (UIS), Environment and Development (MU), Environmental Studies Master's, Doctoral supervision
• Current Projects: FORMAS-funded (2019-22) Indigenous eco-tourism study across Brazil/Ecuador/Mozambique; STINT-funded (2019) socio-environmental justice in Ecuadorian Amazon; previously Formas (2013-16) constitutional analysis of nature/indigenous rights in Bolivia/Ecuador

Educational Background:

• Doctor in Latin American Studies (2004), University of Helsinki
• Associate Professor in Area/Cultural Studies (2009), University of Helsinki

Research Themes explore intersections between:

• Environmental science and development studies
• Indigenous resistance and socio-environmental justice
• Decolonial theory and post-capitalist alternatives
• Community-led governance models in extractivist contexts

Publication Trends (2017-2025) reveal consistent focus on:

• Indigenous ontologies and Buen Vivir/Sumak Kawsay
• Legal pluralism in resource governance
• Temporal politics in sustainability transitions
• Gender empowerment through livelihood changes
• Artivism as decolonial practice
• Hydro-territorial rights frameworks