# Extractive Capitalism **Domain:** Political Economy, Development Studies **Doc Type:** Concept Node **Classification:** Infrastructure Concept **Maturity:** Foundational **Related:** [[Economic Gravity]], [[Ecological Debt]], [[Reparative Justice]] --- ## Definition An **economic system organized around the rapid extraction and conversion of natural resources, labor, and biological/cultural capital into capital accumulation with minimal reinvestment in source communities or restoration of extracted systems**. Extraction prioritizes accumulation over sustainability. --- ## General Context Extractive capitalism characterizes relationships between wealthy and poor nations, urban and rural areas, dominant and marginalized populations. It treats nature and populations as resource stocks to be converted into profit rather than renewed. --- ## Reparative Justice Context Reparative climate justice must address centuries of extractive relationships between wealthy nations and climate-vulnerable populations. See [[articles/climate-justice-reparative|Climate Justice as a Form of Reparative Equity]]. --- ## Key Insight Extractive logic creates ecological debt and reparative claims. Communities subjected to extraction bear environmental degradation, health costs, and lost futures while wealth flows out. --- ## See Also [[Economics]], [[Environmental Justice]], [[Equity Frameworks]]