THE BELT AND ROAD INITIATIVE AND THE DILEMAS OF LATIN AMERICA

Abstract

The article aims to discuss the role of the extension of the New Silk Road - or Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) - to Latin America in a framework of systemic transition. We argue that, given the difficulties in articulating indigenous solutions to regional dilemmas, the opportunity to strengthen relations and cooperation with China tends to fill the gaps necessary to advance development projects in the countries of the region. In the first section, we will deal with China's international ascension process, recognizing the New Silk Road as a fundamental vector of its global projection. In the second part, we will address the panorama of growing synergy between the countries of Latin America and China, as well as the possibilities outlined by the possible implementation of the New Silk Road in the region. Finally, in the last section, we will discuss Latin American dilemmas in this complex systemic transition framework, addressing the connections between the resurgence of Sino-US rivalry and the issues pertinent to hemispheric bilateral and multilateral cooperation mechanisms.

Keywords

• latin america
• china
• new silk road
• belt and road initiative
• regionalism