The Crossroads of Globalization: A Latin American View

A few words from Alfredo: 

“Talking to fellow residents coming from totally different areas of knowledge about my ideas allowed me to see them from a different perspective, which was extremely useful.”

Quote from The Crossroads of Globalization: 

“Against globalization plays the conviction that this phenomenon has had a very negative impact on the economies and the social tissues of countless countries, developed ones in particular, that, it has represented a zero-sum game in which emerging economies have unilaterally benefited, at the expense of the decline of traditionally rich societies. Above all, there exists the view that globalization identifies itself with greedy elites and corporations from developed economies, which have disproportionally enriched themselves, at the expense of the middle classes and the common citizen, who have carried the burden of disappearing jobs, economic insecurity and a declining life style. These beliefs and sentiments are associated with populist political parties and movements, left-wing politics and with Putinism.”

Synopsis:

Two powerful forces measure their strength by acting upon globalization. One of them pushes globalization forward, while the other hinders its advance and promotes its decline.

In which of those directions should Latin America move? Uncertainty hinders the region’s strategic vision. If the future entails re-launching of globalization, it seems obvious that Latin America should follow along its lines. However, if globalization were to embark on a declining phase and an endangered future, the region would need to look at other options.

Latin America, therefore, faces not only a dramatic uncertainty as a result of forces beyond its control, but also needs to anticipate unforeseen events to the best of its abilities, and react to or act upon them. Strategic reflection becomes imperative to manage both uncertainty and the possibility of rapid change.

This exercise in strategic reflection implies an immersion in fraught international surroundings, analyzing the forces that push for and against globalization, trying to measure their respective strength, convergence capacity, and potential impact. At the same time, it requires looking into the flaws, weaknesses and contradictions of such forces. With these elements in hand, it will be easier to envisage where the trends are leading to, and by extension, where Latin America may end up standing and which goals it should follow.