Towards a political economy of roads: experiences from Peru

The article explores why states build roads and in what circumstances roads become a priority for rural people. To distinguish between spatial autonomy and spatial isolation, a concept of territorializing regime is elaborated. This is exemplified by comparing road-building activities undertaken by the state and the mobility practices of Andean indigenous/rural society. While a location 'off the beaten track' could be a source of autonomy in the past, the article outlines reasons why people in post-conflict, neo-liberal Peru now dedicate much time and effort to road-building, even though this may potentially lead to loss of land, community control and greater impoverishment.