This book enquires how local communities affected by large-scale land deals make use of legal
norms to protect their interests. It combines legal social mobilisation and business
management approaches to identify conditions that promise success in this respect which are
explored in four case studies from two countries: Sierra Leone and the Philippines. The
findings of these studies show the relevance of the national legal opportunity structure
strong support networks and the specific characteristics of a company in this regard. The role
of political elites and the unity of local actors are also discussed. This book is especially
relevant for academics and practitioners interested in the relationship between legal
frameworks and local reactions to foreign investors. It also contributes to the research
literature on legal mobilisation by going beyond the Western world. Finally the book offers
perspectives on the 'middle ground' of social mobilisation phenomenons which are neither
social movements nor everyday resistance.
