Latin American voices of international affairs

In the field of International Relations (IR), voices from Latin America have long been underrepresented—overshadowed by dominant Western perspectives, particularly those from the United States and Britain. This blog post aims to spotlight some of the contributions of Latin American thinkers to IR, showcasing how these perspectives challenge established norms and offer unique insights into both regional and global dynamics. By bringing these voices to the forefront, it is possible to foster more inclusive and comprehensive discourses in IR.

Latin American thinkers have significantly contributed to IR by questioning long-standing norms and introducing diverse theoretical frameworks. Concepts such as centre, periphery, development, dependency, autonomy, viability, permissibility, and peripheral realism are crucial for understanding the political and economic dynamics within Latin America. These ideas not only reflect the region’s unique experiences, but also provide valuable perspectives to understand international affairs in general. By scrutinizing these established norms, Latin American thinkers push the boundaries of traditional IR, encouraging a more critical and reflective approach to international studies.

Prominent figures like Hélio Jaguaribe and Juan Carlos Puig have laid foundational work in Latin American International Relations. Their contributions have been instrumental in shaping autonomous foreign policies, especially among left-wing governments in the late 20^th and early 21st century. Understanding their work and influence helps to illuminate the evolving foreign policy dynamics and debates within the region over the past few decades, while ignoring them, on the other hand, risks overlooking critical insights that are essential for understanding Latin American international relations. These pioneering thinkers have advocated for a more self-reliant and independent approach to foreign policy, challenging the dominance of external powers and promoting regional solidarity and cooperation.

The interplay between theory and practice in Latin American foreign policy is a critical area of exploration. The often-neglected dynamics of peripheral countries reveal much about how policy decisions are formulated and how states in the region interact on both internal and global stages. This scholar-practitioner relationship offers deep insights into the real-world application of theoretical concepts. By examining how theoretical ideas are translated into practical policies, we gain a better understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities faced by Latin American countries in the international arena.

Latin American scholars have also made significant, yet often overlooked, contributions to the subfield of International Political Economy (IPE). Over the past two decades, their work has shed light on economic development, international engagement, and policy responses unique to the region’s challenges. These perspectives may enrich the intellectual discourse within IPE, providing a more nuanced understanding of global economic interactions. By highlighting the distinctive economic strategies and responses of Latin American countries, these scholars can offer valuable insights into the complexities of regional and global economic governance and development.

Latin American countries face numerous challenges in the global political arena, from navigating economic dependencies to engaging in cultural exchanges. The region’s strategic manoeuvring within global governance structures offers interesting studies on how less powerful nations assert themselves in a world often dominated by stronger states. By analysing the strategies and tactics employed by Latin American states, we can better appreciate their resilience and ingenuity in pursuing Global South national interests and promoting regional cooperation in an increasingly interconnected world.

Now, highlighting the contributions of women in the histories of IR and international thought is also crucial for gaining more inclusive narratives. Some Latin-American women have played significant roles in shaping IR in the region, demonstrating resilience and intellectual prowess in global politics. Their stories emphasize the need for diverse voices and perspectives in the field. By uncovering the often-overlooked contributions of women from the Global South, and in particular from Latin America, we not only enrich our understanding of IR, but also challenge the gender biases that have historically marginalised women’s voices in the region.

Alicia Moreau is an example of an Argentinian thinker from the early 20th century who provides a nuanced perspective on war, peace, and the quest for a more egalitarian society. Her non-violent approach, emphasising equality, education, and democracy, is relevant today. Moreau’s ideas resonate with contemporary challenges; including her in the histories of international thought and IR would contribute to creating more inclusive narratives. In addition, by revisiting her contributions, we can draw valuable lessons for addressing current global issues, emphasising the importance of non-violence, social justice, women, and democratic governance.

This blog post hopes to serve as an invitation to academics and practitioners worldwide to engage with some of the intellectual contributions of Latin America to understand international affairs. By bringing these voices to the forefront, we could have more inclusive and holistic understandings of international relations. Their perspectives often challenge the status quo and urge readers to reconsider preconceived notions, appreciating the diverse insights Latin American thinkers bring in understanding the world. This endeavour not only showcases Latin American contributions, but also sets the stage for further exploration and collaboration, making International Relations —as well as other fields such as the history of international thought and IPE— truly international. Only through an inclusive approach, we will be able to attain a more equitable and diverse understanding of world affairs.

_{Featured image by Lara Jameson via Pexels.}