What the study found
The study finds that in two environmental conflicts in Brussels, knowledge was mobilized not only from the top down but also from below. It concludes that neither politicization nor depoliticization is guaranteed, and that both can be shaped by how knowledge is produced, brokered, and shared.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors say this matters because it gives a better understanding of the role of knowledge in environmental politics. They also conclude that knowledge and power are related in intricate ways.
What the researchers tested
The researchers examined two case studies of environmental conflicts in Brussels. They developed an analytical framework to study knowledge politics and used it to look at knowledge production, brokerage, and dissemination in both top-down and bottom-up forms.
What worked and what didn't
The analysis suggests that top-down mobilization of expert knowledge does not automatically lead to depoliticization, which is the reduction of open political contestation. It also shows that bottom-up mobilization can contribute to politicization or depoliticization, depending on how knowledge is used.
What to keep in mind
The abstract does not describe detailed case findings beyond the general conclusion. It also does not provide specific limitations, so only the scope given in the abstract can be reported.
Key points
- Two Brussels environmental conflicts were studied as case examples.
- Knowledge was mobilized both from above and from below.
- The paper questions the idea that expert knowledge automatically depoliticizes conflict.
- The authors conclude that politicization and depoliticization are not guaranteed outcomes.
- The abstract says the study helps explain how knowledge and power are linked.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Knowledge can both politicize and depoliticize environmental conflicts
- Authors:
- Kato Van Speybroeck, Trui Steen, Ben Derudder, Maarten Loopmans
- Institutions:
- KU Leuven
- Publication date:
- 2026-04-08
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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