Theo
@theobromin.bsky.social
Postdoc, Department of Geography, Uni Bonn | Infrastructure, Labour, Comics | @tear-reviews.bsky.social | he/er
Pinned
Theo
@theobromin.bsky.social
· Jun 17
![A 2x2 matrix titled "Sabotage Matrix", showing the material and immaterial effects of infrastructure sabotage, divided into destructive (left) and constructive (right) axes.
Top-left (Q1): Labeled "Destructive material effects" with a photo of a partially dismantled dam.
Top-right (Q2): Labeled "Constructive material effects" with a photo of a dislodged water pipe on dry earth.
Bottom-left (Q3): Labeled "Destructive ideational effects", with the quote: "We are saying [sabotage] is good, because it has made the things that were in darkness to come into the light."
Bottom-right (Q4): Labeled "Constructive ideational effects", with the quote: "The reason for us being included, it is because of the destructions they have seen."
The vertical axis is labeled "Material" (top) and "Immaterial" (bottom), and the horizontal axis is labeled "Destructive" (left) and "Constructive" (right).](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:opouudsmslyt4wwrlgf7v4ca/bafkreif3uyqyulyovtfcwpsmqtkisuxnb2d6nh6dfissgaqqal3zvnk65e@jpeg)
Can sabotage be an act of care? A way to build the future?
In our new @antipodeonline.bsky.social article, Eric Kioko & I introduce the Sabotage Matrix, a tool to rethink infrastructure sabotage as both destructive and constructive.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
In our new @antipodeonline.bsky.social article, Eric Kioko & I introduce the Sabotage Matrix, a tool to rethink infrastructure sabotage as both destructive and constructive.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Reposted by Theo
If you only read one of this trio, make it Life After Cars by @brooklynspoke.bsky.social & @sgoodyear.bsky.social.
It’s the most accessible and informative, as well as the most practical.
It’s the most accessible and informative, as well as the most practical.
October 10, 2025 at 1:09 PM
If you only read one of this trio, make it Life After Cars by @brooklynspoke.bsky.social & @sgoodyear.bsky.social.
It’s the most accessible and informative, as well as the most practical.
It’s the most accessible and informative, as well as the most practical.
Call for Abstracts - AAG 2026 | SF
Deadline: October 23rd
Join my Panel at next year's AAG conference on "Infrastructure Monsters and the Specter of Sabotage". We talkin' horror stories, queer geography, ghosts, Marx' specters, ruination, sabotage, and much more!
@geographers.bsky.social #GeoSky
Deadline: October 23rd
Join my Panel at next year's AAG conference on "Infrastructure Monsters and the Specter of Sabotage". We talkin' horror stories, queer geography, ghosts, Marx' specters, ruination, sabotage, and much more!
@geographers.bsky.social #GeoSky
October 2, 2025 at 1:48 PM
Call for Abstracts - AAG 2026 | SF
Deadline: October 23rd
Join my Panel at next year's AAG conference on "Infrastructure Monsters and the Specter of Sabotage". We talkin' horror stories, queer geography, ghosts, Marx' specters, ruination, sabotage, and much more!
@geographers.bsky.social #GeoSky
Deadline: October 23rd
Join my Panel at next year's AAG conference on "Infrastructure Monsters and the Specter of Sabotage". We talkin' horror stories, queer geography, ghosts, Marx' specters, ruination, sabotage, and much more!
@geographers.bsky.social #GeoSky
Reposted by Theo
What is the history of member-driven change in the AAG?
Our archival research has shown that member-driven political activity has been common in AAG's history, including struggles around the Equal Rights Amendment; the US funding of contras in Nicaragua; and nuclear proliferation and war.
Our archival research has shown that member-driven political activity has been common in AAG's history, including struggles around the Equal Rights Amendment; the US funding of contras in Nicaragua; and nuclear proliferation and war.
September 30, 2025 at 2:19 PM
What is the history of member-driven change in the AAG?
Our archival research has shown that member-driven political activity has been common in AAG's history, including struggles around the Equal Rights Amendment; the US funding of contras in Nicaragua; and nuclear proliferation and war.
Our archival research has shown that member-driven political activity has been common in AAG's history, including struggles around the Equal Rights Amendment; the US funding of contras in Nicaragua; and nuclear proliferation and war.
Reposted by Theo
American Goldfinch got at it in the sky above Seapowet Marsh in Tiverton, RI #bird #birdphotography #americangoldfinch #itsabirdeatbirdworld
July 12, 2025 at 5:19 PM
American Goldfinch got at it in the sky above Seapowet Marsh in Tiverton, RI #bird #birdphotography #americangoldfinch #itsabirdeatbirdworld
Can sabotage be an act of care? A way to build the future?
In our new @antipodeonline.bsky.social article, Eric Kioko & I introduce the Sabotage Matrix, a tool to rethink infrastructure sabotage as both destructive and constructive.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
In our new @antipodeonline.bsky.social article, Eric Kioko & I introduce the Sabotage Matrix, a tool to rethink infrastructure sabotage as both destructive and constructive.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
June 17, 2025 at 8:59 AM
Can sabotage be an act of care? A way to build the future?
In our new @antipodeonline.bsky.social article, Eric Kioko & I introduce the Sabotage Matrix, a tool to rethink infrastructure sabotage as both destructive and constructive.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
In our new @antipodeonline.bsky.social article, Eric Kioko & I introduce the Sabotage Matrix, a tool to rethink infrastructure sabotage as both destructive and constructive.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Reposted by Theo
In the wake of the LA fires, many have called for mutual aid—which is necessary. But as @sarahljaffe.bsky.social writes, there are limits to what these networks can do. The challenge is to build something big enough to support a society.
Organized Abandonment | Sarah Jaffe
In a time of escalating climate catastrophe, we need something other than paeans to resilience.
thebaffler.com
February 4, 2025 at 3:35 PM
In the wake of the LA fires, many have called for mutual aid—which is necessary. But as @sarahljaffe.bsky.social writes, there are limits to what these networks can do. The challenge is to build something big enough to support a society.
And this is why, conversely, my flavor of radical anti-militarism comes in the shape of a swaggering gym bro creatine'd up to the gills.
A certain kinda person really thinks macho vibes are what make for military success, and so thinks liberal states are bad at war. But rationalised logistics and immense productive capacity are actually very good at winning wars and liberal capitalist societies can martial those well and quickly.
March 27, 2025 at 3:10 PM
And this is why, conversely, my flavor of radical anti-militarism comes in the shape of a swaggering gym bro creatine'd up to the gills.
Es ist auffällig, dass Bellizisten genau diejenigen Dinge als verteidigungswert auflisten, die drohen, durch grenzenlose Aufrüstung verdrängt zu werden.
Unterschreibe jedes Wort dieses leidenschaftlichen Plädoyers von David Matei in Richtung Ole Nymoen: "Deutschland ist eine der erfolgreichsten Demokratien unserer Zeit. Deutschland ist es wert!"
#hartaberfair
1/2
#hartaberfair
1/2
March 19, 2025 at 1:19 PM
Es ist auffällig, dass Bellizisten genau diejenigen Dinge als verteidigungswert auflisten, die drohen, durch grenzenlose Aufrüstung verdrängt zu werden.
Reposted by Theo
Irgendwie ein bisschen traurig wie Ole grade zum einzigen Vertreter einer eigentlich ziemlich verbreiteten und auch relativ unspektakulären Position wird. Und auch spannend wie die Gegenseite sich da lieber an ihm als Person abarbeitet als die Position mal ernst zu nehmen
March 18, 2025 at 8:47 AM
Irgendwie ein bisschen traurig wie Ole grade zum einzigen Vertreter einer eigentlich ziemlich verbreiteten und auch relativ unspektakulären Position wird. Und auch spannend wie die Gegenseite sich da lieber an ihm als Person abarbeitet als die Position mal ernst zu nehmen
Reposted by Theo
New Publication!
@arnerieber.bsky.social, Eric Kioko & @theobromin.bsky.social examine how stalled infrastructure projects shape local economies & aspirations. They explore the non-economy of anticipation & infrastructural violence in the case of the Thwake Dam.
📰 ➡️ crc-trr228.de/new-publicat...
@arnerieber.bsky.social, Eric Kioko & @theobromin.bsky.social examine how stalled infrastructure projects shape local economies & aspirations. They explore the non-economy of anticipation & infrastructural violence in the case of the Thwake Dam.
📰 ➡️ crc-trr228.de/new-publicat...
New Publication: Infrastructural Promises and the Non-Economy of Anticipation - Lessons from the Thwake Dam - Collaborative Research Center TRR 228
In this article, Arne Rieber, Eric Kioko and Theo Aalders (Project C03 Green Futures) examine how the promises of large-scale infrastructure projects shape
crc-trr228.de
March 17, 2025 at 3:12 PM
New Publication!
@arnerieber.bsky.social, Eric Kioko & @theobromin.bsky.social examine how stalled infrastructure projects shape local economies & aspirations. They explore the non-economy of anticipation & infrastructural violence in the case of the Thwake Dam.
📰 ➡️ crc-trr228.de/new-publicat...
@arnerieber.bsky.social, Eric Kioko & @theobromin.bsky.social examine how stalled infrastructure projects shape local economies & aspirations. They explore the non-economy of anticipation & infrastructural violence in the case of the Thwake Dam.
📰 ➡️ crc-trr228.de/new-publicat...
Reposted by Theo
Looks interesting! As I sometimes say about large scale mining projects (& associated infrastructure), the first impact is the plan.
Rieber, A., Kioko, E. M. & Aalders, T., (2025) “The non-economy of anticipation in the construction phase of large dams”, Journal of Political Ecology 32(1): 6117. doi.org/10.2458/jpe....
@changetanzania.bsky.social @arnerieber.bsky.social @pollenetwork.bsky.social
@changetanzania.bsky.social @arnerieber.bsky.social @pollenetwork.bsky.social
The non-economy of anticipation in the construction phase of large dams
Large-scale infrastructure projects often include government promises and visions designed to win the approval and support of affected populations and to attract much-needed funding for implementation...
doi.org
March 17, 2025 at 10:35 AM
Looks interesting! As I sometimes say about large scale mining projects (& associated infrastructure), the first impact is the plan.
Reposted by Theo
Rieber, A., Kioko, E. M. & Aalders, T., (2025) “The non-economy of anticipation in the construction phase of large dams”, Journal of Political Ecology 32(1): 6117. doi.org/10.2458/jpe....
@changetanzania.bsky.social @arnerieber.bsky.social @pollenetwork.bsky.social
@changetanzania.bsky.social @arnerieber.bsky.social @pollenetwork.bsky.social
The non-economy of anticipation in the construction phase of large dams
Large-scale infrastructure projects often include government promises and visions designed to win the approval and support of affected populations and to attract much-needed funding for implementation...
doi.org
March 17, 2025 at 10:31 AM
Rieber, A., Kioko, E. M. & Aalders, T., (2025) “The non-economy of anticipation in the construction phase of large dams”, Journal of Political Ecology 32(1): 6117. doi.org/10.2458/jpe....
@changetanzania.bsky.social @arnerieber.bsky.social @pollenetwork.bsky.social
@changetanzania.bsky.social @arnerieber.bsky.social @pollenetwork.bsky.social
Reposted by Theo
Really happy to see our article in JPE! In it, we discuss the 'non-economy of anticipation', a double vision in the construction phase of infrastructure, where future promises collide with the actual realities of implementation. We show how this leads to apathy and infrastructural violence.
March 17, 2025 at 10:52 AM
Really happy to see our article in JPE! In it, we discuss the 'non-economy of anticipation', a double vision in the construction phase of infrastructure, where future promises collide with the actual realities of implementation. We show how this leads to apathy and infrastructural violence.
Reposted by Theo
New Publication!
@theobromin.bsky.social & Detlef Müller-Mahn explore how labor shapes future-making in East African infrastructure projects.
📰➡️https://crc-trr228.de/new-publication-how-labour-has-the-potential-to-make-marginalised-futures-visible-and-real/
@theobromin.bsky.social & Detlef Müller-Mahn explore how labor shapes future-making in East African infrastructure projects.
📰➡️https://crc-trr228.de/new-publication-how-labour-has-the-potential-to-make-marginalised-futures-visible-and-real/
New Publication: How Labour has the Potential to Make Marginalised Futures Visible and Real - Collaborative Research Center TRR 228
In this recent publication, researchers Theo Aalders and Detlef Müller-Mahn (Project C03 Green Futures) explore how labor shapes future-making in East African
crc-trr228.de
March 12, 2025 at 11:40 AM
New Publication!
@theobromin.bsky.social & Detlef Müller-Mahn explore how labor shapes future-making in East African infrastructure projects.
📰➡️https://crc-trr228.de/new-publication-how-labour-has-the-potential-to-make-marginalised-futures-visible-and-real/
@theobromin.bsky.social & Detlef Müller-Mahn explore how labor shapes future-making in East African infrastructure projects.
📰➡️https://crc-trr228.de/new-publication-how-labour-has-the-potential-to-make-marginalised-futures-visible-and-real/
Reposted by Theo
Keine Ausraster bei „Nius“ und Axel Springer. Kein 5-Punkte-Plan von Merz. Keine Forderung nach Gesetzesverschärfungen von Markus Söder. Kein Brennpunkt. Keine Sondersendung bei Markus Lanz. Die Tagesschau spricht von „Autofahrt“.
March 5, 2025 at 1:37 PM
Keine Ausraster bei „Nius“ und Axel Springer. Kein 5-Punkte-Plan von Merz. Keine Forderung nach Gesetzesverschärfungen von Markus Söder. Kein Brennpunkt. Keine Sondersendung bei Markus Lanz. Die Tagesschau spricht von „Autofahrt“.
So, anyone wanna speculate how SPD and Greens will justify going into a coalition with Merz' CDU anyway?
- "If we don't do it the AfD will"
- "apart from the support from the AfD, the 5-point-plan isn't that bad in essence"
- "I can fix him"
- "If we don't do it the AfD will"
- "apart from the support from the AfD, the 5-point-plan isn't that bad in essence"
- "I can fix him"
January 30, 2025 at 6:49 AM
So, anyone wanna speculate how SPD and Greens will justify going into a coalition with Merz' CDU anyway?
- "If we don't do it the AfD will"
- "apart from the support from the AfD, the 5-point-plan isn't that bad in essence"
- "I can fix him"
- "If we don't do it the AfD will"
- "apart from the support from the AfD, the 5-point-plan isn't that bad in essence"
- "I can fix him"
Reposted by Theo
In their latest publication, our researchers @arnerieber.bsky.social & @theobromin.bsky.social alongside Kenn Munene look at how affected households navigate the state of uncertainty that is formed by threating images of displacement, in the context of the proposed High Grand Falls Dam in Kenya.
January 21, 2025 at 11:22 AM
In their latest publication, our researchers @arnerieber.bsky.social & @theobromin.bsky.social alongside Kenn Munene look at how affected households navigate the state of uncertainty that is formed by threating images of displacement, in the context of the proposed High Grand Falls Dam in Kenya.
Reposted by Theo
-guy gets caught jerking it in his car
-blames it on asylum seekers
- pure EU vibes
nltimes.nl/2025/01/08/g...
-blames it on asylum seekers
- pure EU vibes
nltimes.nl/2025/01/08/g...
Groningen mayor forced to resign after claims he was caught masturbating in his car
Koen Schuiling was forced to resign as mayor of Groningen by the Minister of Interior Affairs Judith Uitermark, NOS reported. The ministry was set to suspend Schuilding if he did not announce his depa...
nltimes.nl
January 10, 2025 at 5:27 AM
-guy gets caught jerking it in his car
-blames it on asylum seekers
- pure EU vibes
nltimes.nl/2025/01/08/g...
-blames it on asylum seekers
- pure EU vibes
nltimes.nl/2025/01/08/g...
Reposted by Theo
Our article in Futures is finally out! It took some time, but it was a lot quicker than the dam project we researched - one that was supposed to be fast-tracked.
So, why being sassy about the promise of the dam being fast-tracked? Because it matters:
shorturl.at/eq5HL
@theobromin.bsky.social
So, why being sassy about the promise of the dam being fast-tracked? Because it matters:
shorturl.at/eq5HL
@theobromin.bsky.social
Displaced futures or futures in displacement? Anticipations around the proposed High Grand Falls Dam in Kenya
At COP27, the Kenyan and UK governments signed a climate finance agreement to accelerate the implementation of the High Grand Falls mega-dam on Tana R…
shorturl.at
January 6, 2025 at 8:52 AM
Our article in Futures is finally out! It took some time, but it was a lot quicker than the dam project we researched - one that was supposed to be fast-tracked.
So, why being sassy about the promise of the dam being fast-tracked? Because it matters:
shorturl.at/eq5HL
@theobromin.bsky.social
So, why being sassy about the promise of the dam being fast-tracked? Because it matters:
shorturl.at/eq5HL
@theobromin.bsky.social
Reposted by Theo
Recent article in @natureandspace.bsky.social: I examine long-proposed ‘amorphous’ dams & diversions in the Salween River Basin & show how speculation & rumour are deployed strategically by differently placed actors working towards project development or demise. Open access!
December 18, 2024 at 1:09 AM
Recent article in @natureandspace.bsky.social: I examine long-proposed ‘amorphous’ dams & diversions in the Salween River Basin & show how speculation & rumour are deployed strategically by differently placed actors working towards project development or demise. Open access!
My New Year's resolution was to publish an article at "Territory, Politics, Governance" about infrastructure, labour, and future making - and I'm already done!
@giubresearch.bsky.social
#Geosky
@giubresearch.bsky.social
#Geosky
January 3, 2025 at 9:44 AM
My New Year's resolution was to publish an article at "Territory, Politics, Governance" about infrastructure, labour, and future making - and I'm already done!
@giubresearch.bsky.social
#Geosky
@giubresearch.bsky.social
#Geosky
Reposted by Theo
China approves Tibet mega dam
🤯 1 trillion yuan ($137 billion)
🤯 About 70 GW of power capacity
🤯 300 trillion watt-hours (TWh) of electricity to be generated annually
🤯 2.2 Exajoule of energy.
🤯 Almost 0.4% of today's global annual energy use
🤯 1 trillion yuan ($137 billion)
🤯 About 70 GW of power capacity
🤯 300 trillion watt-hours (TWh) of electricity to be generated annually
🤯 2.2 Exajoule of energy.
🤯 Almost 0.4% of today's global annual energy use
December 26, 2024 at 9:54 AM
China approves Tibet mega dam
🤯 1 trillion yuan ($137 billion)
🤯 About 70 GW of power capacity
🤯 300 trillion watt-hours (TWh) of electricity to be generated annually
🤯 2.2 Exajoule of energy.
🤯 Almost 0.4% of today's global annual energy use
🤯 1 trillion yuan ($137 billion)
🤯 About 70 GW of power capacity
🤯 300 trillion watt-hours (TWh) of electricity to be generated annually
🤯 2.2 Exajoule of energy.
🤯 Almost 0.4% of today's global annual energy use
This article is incredibly useful in naming a subcutaneous understanding of infrastructure projects as sites of contestation that permeates much of the literature without ever being named as such. Great contribution!
#Geosky @giubresearch.bsky.social
#Geosky @giubresearch.bsky.social
Online first! Our new article, part of an exciting SI on unintended consequences of infrastructures in Review of Regional Research:
"Political Arenas of Infrastructure Development—the Case of a Dam Project in Kenya"
together with Detlef Müller-Mahn
doi.org/10.1007/s100...
#geosky #crc228
"Political Arenas of Infrastructure Development—the Case of a Dam Project in Kenya"
together with Detlef Müller-Mahn
doi.org/10.1007/s100...
#geosky #crc228
Political arenas of infrastructure development—the case of a dam project in Kenya - Review of Regional Research
State-led infrastructure development plays an increasingly important role in social transformation, especially in the Global South, which is also pushing the topic on research agendas in the social sc...
doi.org
December 12, 2024 at 11:12 AM
This article is incredibly useful in naming a subcutaneous understanding of infrastructure projects as sites of contestation that permeates much of the literature without ever being named as such. Great contribution!
#Geosky @giubresearch.bsky.social
#Geosky @giubresearch.bsky.social
Reposted by Theo
Online first! Our new article, part of an exciting SI on unintended consequences of infrastructures in Review of Regional Research:
"Political Arenas of Infrastructure Development—the Case of a Dam Project in Kenya"
together with Detlef Müller-Mahn
doi.org/10.1007/s100...
#geosky #crc228
"Political Arenas of Infrastructure Development—the Case of a Dam Project in Kenya"
together with Detlef Müller-Mahn
doi.org/10.1007/s100...
#geosky #crc228
Political arenas of infrastructure development—the case of a dam project in Kenya - Review of Regional Research
State-led infrastructure development plays an increasingly important role in social transformation, especially in the Global South, which is also pushing the topic on research agendas in the social sc...
doi.org
December 12, 2024 at 11:05 AM
Online first! Our new article, part of an exciting SI on unintended consequences of infrastructures in Review of Regional Research:
"Political Arenas of Infrastructure Development—the Case of a Dam Project in Kenya"
together with Detlef Müller-Mahn
doi.org/10.1007/s100...
#geosky #crc228
"Political Arenas of Infrastructure Development—the Case of a Dam Project in Kenya"
together with Detlef Müller-Mahn
doi.org/10.1007/s100...
#geosky #crc228
Reposted by Theo
#mittwochsimGIUB
Dec. 11, 5:15pm
AK Krit Geo Bonn together with the kollektiv #orangotango and Daniel Hofinger on "Eigentum kartieren - Theorie und Praxis des #CounterMapping von 'Wem gehört Bonn?'"
Where? Lecture Hall @giubresearch.bsky.social
#crticalcartography #Bonn #akkritgeobonn
Dec. 11, 5:15pm
AK Krit Geo Bonn together with the kollektiv #orangotango and Daniel Hofinger on "Eigentum kartieren - Theorie und Praxis des #CounterMapping von 'Wem gehört Bonn?'"
Where? Lecture Hall @giubresearch.bsky.social
#crticalcartography #Bonn #akkritgeobonn
December 9, 2024 at 9:05 AM
#mittwochsimGIUB
Dec. 11, 5:15pm
AK Krit Geo Bonn together with the kollektiv #orangotango and Daniel Hofinger on "Eigentum kartieren - Theorie und Praxis des #CounterMapping von 'Wem gehört Bonn?'"
Where? Lecture Hall @giubresearch.bsky.social
#crticalcartography #Bonn #akkritgeobonn
Dec. 11, 5:15pm
AK Krit Geo Bonn together with the kollektiv #orangotango and Daniel Hofinger on "Eigentum kartieren - Theorie und Praxis des #CounterMapping von 'Wem gehört Bonn?'"
Where? Lecture Hall @giubresearch.bsky.social
#crticalcartography #Bonn #akkritgeobonn