EPISODE · May 28, 2026 · 37 MIN
S2526 / Flows of Power. How water treaties produce water scarcity
from Urbinary · host POLI.RADIO
Starting from the 2020 conflict surrounding La Boquilla Dam, this episode traces the hidden workings of the 1944 water treaty between the United States and Mexico. In the Río Conchos basin, water is not simply scarce: it is made scarce. As farmers face empty canals and mounting pressure to meet cross-border water deliveries, a deeper fracture comes into view, between water as a means of survival and water as a debt to be repaid. Written by Toka Elsayed, Laila Kouta, Alexia Lara, Lucy White. Narrated by Lucy White. Edited by Stella De Luca. Post-production and sound design by Giorgio Mattina. The series was developed within the course Conflict Management and Resolution (2025–2026), taught by Carolina Pacchi and Giancarlo Vecchi at Politecnico di Milano. This episode was produced for educational and research purposes. Portions of third-party audio materials may be included for commentary, analysis, and critique. All rights remain with their respective owners. Audio credits CBS Mornings (Year). Locals in rural Mexican town fault Coca-Cola for depleting water resources. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPzie3gsdUA Colectivo Testigo Ocular (2020). Boquilla, de la sequía al saqueo. [Documentary]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1wjoeMe05M&t=5286s @gracielaacosta8399 (2020). Boquilla 8 Sep. [Video]. YouTube Shorts. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/3hyn1W1uz9k KSAT 12 (2024). Texas’ only sugar mill to close permanently after 51 years. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMXbebDCnQw Lyla Mehta (2025). Urban Dialogue, 24th Triennale Milano International Exhibition, curated by Politecnico di Milano. [Audio recording, unpublished]. Monica De La Cruz (2024). Mexico's Violation of 1944 Water Treaty Threatens 500 Jobs and US Food Security – Biden Must Act Now. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7J3sjwbty0
What this episode covers
Starting from the 2020 conflict surrounding La Boquilla Dam, this episode traces the hidden workings of the 1944 water treaty between the United States and Mexico. In the Río Conchos basin, water is not simply scarce: it is made scarce. As farmers face empty canals and mounting pressure to meet cross-border water deliveries, a deeper fracture comes into view, between water as a means of survival and water as a debt to be repaid. Written by Toka Elsayed, Laila Kouta, Alexia Lara, Lucy White. Narrated by Lucy White. Edited by Stella De Luca. Post-production and sound design by Giorgio Mattina. The series was developed within the course Conflict Management and Resolution (2025–2026), taught by Carolina Pacchi and Giancarlo Vecchi at Politecnico di Milano. This episode was produced for educational and research purposes. Portions of third-party audio materials may be included for commentary, analysis, and critique. All rights remain with their respective owners. Audio credits CBS Mornings (Year). Locals in rural Mexican town fault Coca-Cola for depleting water resources. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPzie3gsdUA Colectivo Testigo Ocular (2020). Boquilla, de la sequía al saqueo. [Documentary]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1wjoeMe05M&t=5286s @gracielaacosta8399 (2020). Boquilla 8 Sep. [Video]. YouTube Shorts. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/3hyn1W1uz9k KSAT 12 (2024). Texas’ only sugar mill to close permanently after 51 years. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMXbebDCnQw Lyla Mehta (2025). Urban Dialogue, 24th Triennale Milano International Exhibition, curated by Politecnico di Milano. [Audio recording, unpublished]. Monica De La Cruz (2024). Mexico's Violation of 1944 Water Treaty Threatens 500 Jobs and US Food Security – Biden Must Act Now. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7J3sjwbty0
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S2526 / Flows of Power. How water treaties produce water scarcity
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