Who decides the fate of large-scale energy projects when reputations, relationships, and millions of dollars are at stake? Tyler Barrott's dissertation, Powering a Nation, examines this question through a political history of Norway's engagement in two of the most significant energy projects in Tanzanian history: Pangani Falls and Lower Kihansi.
Barrott traces how political, socio-economic, and environmental issues shaped both projects—from financing challenges and water conflicts to species extinction threats, energy sector reforms, and opposition from Western anti-dam activists.
Powering a Nation highlights how these activists sought to exploit North-South asymmetries in their opposition to both projects, challenging the sovereignty of Tanzanian officials over the country’s energy future. Caught in the crossfire, Norwegian officials mediated between reputational concerns, environmental ambitions, and Norway’s longstanding relationship with Tanzania.
Ultimately, the two projects fundamentally reshaped the Tanzanian-Norwegian relationship. Pangani Falls brought it to the breaking point, while Lower Kihansi saw Norwegian officials support their Tanzanian colleagues through successive challenges. Tanzanian officials proved savvy diplomatic operators, managing multiple donors and outmaneuvering influential activists to realize both projects.
Drawing upon extensive archival research in both countries, Powering a Nation addresses a significant gap in scholarship on post-1990 hydropower development in Tanzania and Africa more broadly. It offers valuable historical lessons for energy ministries, development agencies, investors, contractors, and development finance institutions engaged in large-scale energy development.
Trial lecture
Designated topic: Powering the Historiography: Norwegian Dam-Building in 1990s Tanzania and the History of International Development
Tyler Barrott successfully defended his dissertation on 11 December 2025.
Evaluation committee
- Associate Professor Urban Lundberg, Stockholm Universitet (first opponent)
- Professor Stephen Macekura, Indiana University (second opponent)
- Professor Hilde Sandvik, University of Oslo (committee administrator)
Chair of the defence
Supervisors
- Professor Sunniva Engh, University of Oslo
- Associate Professor Kristian Bjørkdahl, University of Oslo