L’AMERICA LATINA TRA DUE FUOCHI: CON L’OVEST O CON “IL RESTO”?

Latin America is going through a delicate period under different aspects. Furthermore, the recent pandemic has had serious consequences on the region, which finds itself at a crossroads regarding which direction to take in the next years. Historically under hegemonic control by the US, Latin American countries are now faced with key choices: to remain entangled in the “Monroe Doctrine”, and therefore in check by the US, or try to open new paths by adhering to different (and non-Westerners) blocks, such as the BRICS. The latter act as the spokesperson for the whole Global South, which has historically been exploited by centuries of colonialism and imperialism, and has played a marginal role in the liberal international system inaugurated by the US and its European allies after the World War II. Furthermore, as evidenced by the new BRICS presidency by South Africa, these five “emerging powers” intend to expand their alliance to new members (according to the so-called “BRICS plus” strategy). Among the countries that have already applied to join the group, there is also Argentina. If accepted, as it is assumed, Argentina’s entry into the block, would open up new prospects for Latin America. Several debates have arisen in this regard: some scholars argue that the region should change its strategy by finding new allies. Others have a more conservative position. Finally, there is who advocates for a “non-alignment”: i.e. neither with the West, nor with “the Rest”. How will this situation evolve? Whatever it happens, this historical moment is critical for Latin America and it is also crucial for the future of global order.