Asymmetrical power relations and their influences on climate change adaptation and transformation in Vietnam

Abstract

In response to a recent call on reducing social inequality and improving climate resilience, the attention has been shifted to examine power relations that influence disadvantaged groups’ representation in adaptation policy and decision-making. While current studies have mainly examined micropolitics of power and agency in democratic countries or based on gender perspective, this research uses a qualitative case study approach that investigates the dynamics of power relations in climate adaptation processes in Vietnam. I draw upon the politics of adaptation framework with a focus on subjectivities and everyday resistance to scrutinize if and how local farmers negotiate, comply with or contest the centralized hierarchical structure in adaptation. The research advances knowledge on subject-making processes and multifaceted political agency in navigating power asymmetries and authoritarian adaptation governance.