Poverty Narratives and Power Paradoxes in International Trade Negotiations and Beyond

""In this book, I argue that contrary to common assumption, modern-day politics displays a surprising phenomenon: powerlessness has emerged as a formidable weapon in international negotiation. Effective and persuasive narratives about poverty are bringing about a fundamental transformation of powerlessness itself into a source of power. This book analyses the sources of the newfound power of poverty narratives, the mechanisms whereby it is exercised, and the outcomes it has generated. I focus specifically on behaviours and outcomes in a particularly polarising area of bargaining - international trade - but also illustrate wider applications of the argument in other settings. The empirical cases reveal inspiring examples of agency and empowerment for the hitherto marginalised and excluded. But the wide-ranging and highly effective use of arguments of poverty and powerlessness by the genuinely poor and weak constitutes only one aspect of the story; overuse and misuse comprise the other sides. And while the use of poverty narratives may have emerged as a winning strategy, repeated misapplication risks blunting this weapon. In this book, I trace the origins, workings, and implications of the power of the powerless, and also advance broader theoretical insights on the life-cycles of narratives. I further offer policy-relevant insights for governments and other actors on how to build winning and sustainable narratives, and also counter their overuse and misuse. ""--