Dr. Austin Zeiderman

Biography

Austin Zeiderman is a Professor in the Department of Geography and Environment at the London School of Economics. An interdisciplinary scholar, he specializes in the social and political dimensions of urbanization and the environment in Latin America and the Caribbean, with a focus on Colombia. His academic work engages with current debates in geography, anthropology, sociology, politics, and history. Zeiderman’s research spans thematic fields including Latin American and Caribbean studies, urban studies, environmental studies, and security studies. His ethnographic fieldwork in Colombia over decades aims to advance debates in diverse scholarly traditions and address significant social and environmental challenges. His monograph, 'Artery: Racial Ecologies of Colombia’s Magdalena River,' uncovers the historical and contemporary roles of waterway expansion under colonial and racial capitalism. This work enhances understanding of current and future environmental crises, highlighting the unsustainable relationships between humans and the planet. His previous book, 'Endangered City: Politics, Risk, Security in Bogotá,' uses an ethnographic lens to analyze governance in the context of environmental hazards. Zeiderman has published in several scholarly and public outlets and has received numerous fellowships and awards. Raised in Philadelphia, he has previously worked on urban environmental issues in various American cities.

Research Interests

Experience