The Bolivian Water War

The Bolivian Water War was a series of protests in 2000-2001 triggered by the government's decision to privatize the city’s water supply, allowing multinational companies to control water access. Many residents, especially in La Paz, faced soaring water prices and limited access, threatening their basic needs. The protests grew into a mass movement emphasizing national sovereignty, social justice, and opposition to foreign corporate control. Ultimately, the government reversed its privatization plans, reaffirming water as a public good. The conflict highlighted issues of resource management, social inequality, and the power balance between citizens and corporations.