Description
Over the past two decades, China's rapid entry into the Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) region has significantly altered a geopolitical landscape traditionally dominated by the United States. This study examines the impact of Sino-US tensions on South America's political and economic dynamics from 2000 to 2020, focusing on two key periods: the rise of progressive governments with state-led policies and the subsequent shift to center-right governments prioritizing monetarist austerity.
China's high demand for primary commodities created a "margin of autonomy" for South American economies, aligning with the region's abundant supply. However, the end of the commodity boom and the political shift to center-right governments reconfigured regional integration priorities and introduced new economic challenges.
This study addresses three key research questions:
1-) To what extent does China represent a threat to longstanding US hegemony in the Western Hemisphere?
2-) How are Sino-US tensions shaping intra-regional and international politics in South America?
3-) In what ways have various sub-regional blocs (Unasur, Mercosur, the Andean Community, and the Pacific Alliance) enabled South American countries to cope with rising Sino-US tensions and economic competition?
By analyzing these questions, the research provides a comprehensive understanding of the geopolitical and economic shifts in South America amidst Sino-US tensions, contributing to discussions on fostering a more cooperative global order.
