I study linkages between water and local politics in cities and beyond through urban processes of capital accumulation, and the resultant implications for human insecurity. I draw on literatures on state and governance, urban theory, political ecology, criminology, and philosophy of science. I use quantitative and qualitative methods. My regional focus is on Southeast and Southwest Asia. 

My grant-funded research is focused on understanding governance processes in Asia and Africa in response to stresses posed by climate change and urbanization (JSPS Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B), April 2024-March 2027). 

I am an Assistant Professor at the University of Tokyo Institute for Future Initiatives. I hold a PhD from the Schar School of Policy and Government, George Mason University. I was also the recipient of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science postdoctoral fellowship at Center for Policy Research, United Nations University, and a Fulbright scholarship at Boston University.

Blog - Articles and Events
Mapping the Politics of Water and the Hidden Violence of the Legal Economy through the Small-scale Water Providers of Metro Manila
Mapping the Politics of Water and the Hidden Violence of the Legal Economy through the Small-scale Water Providers of Metro Manila
"It is small-scale providers that sell water to urban poor communities in Metro Manila. The quality may be substandard, supply irregular, and prices higher than those purchasing water directly from private concessionaires. The threat of physical violence in cases like Alan and his competitors, or financial losses for communities as they spend substantial portions of their incomes on water are significant aspects. In urban settlements in Metro Manila, Cathy, Michael, and Alan and his competitors may be referred to as ‘syndicates’. Unlike cooperatives, which are endorsed by Maynilad and Manila Water—private concessionaires responsible for water provision, and the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (mwss), the government institution responsible for oversight—syndicates are deemed to operate illegally."
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Politicizing discussions on water governance: Recommendations for creating equitable water futures in cities in the Global South
Politicizing discussions on water governance: Recommendations for creating equitable water futures in cities in the Global South

Despite some gains on SDG 6.1 (access to clean and affordable water for all), the world is falling behind. One out of four people lack access to water. In addition to increased funding, a deeper understanding of experienced water shortages (invisible in global metrics) is crucial. 1. Global monitoring frameworks like the JMP of the UN and WHO should include a focus on links between water access and informal settlements. 2. Local governments and international development agencies should fund research co-created with local communities on water governance. 3. Local governments should play a strong role to ensure affordable and clean water for the urban poor communities. Such knowledge could contribute towards the success of SDG 6.1.

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Perspectives from the Ground: Governing Informality of Water in Metro Manila
Perspectives from the Ground: Governing Informality of Water in Metro Manila

Although privatisation in Metro Manila has resulted in increased access to piped connections and reduced pilferage, the urban poor pay more for low-quality water and access it through small-scale providers including cooperatives and syndicates. While forming cooperatives can represent efforts of urban poor communities to claim legality, the selling of water to neighbours or offering protections for pilfering by local providers illustrates everyday illegality. Governing logics of the postcolonial state and concessionaires shape these Janus-faced survival practices of urban poor communities.

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