Author: Marek Kong

Throughout history, rivers have been the seat of civilization and the connective tissue of urbanization. In Colombia, the Magdalena River has occupied a central role in its social, political and economic development. Artery: Racial Ecologies on Colombia’s Magdalena River by Austin Zeiderman explores not only the role of the Magdalena in Colombian society but also provides an excellent case study for how riverine and fluvial systems create racial formations. Zeiderman demonstrates that the Magdalena River is a backdrop for racialized social relations while also acting as an active site where race, nature and infrastructure are co-produced.