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Economy
We generate analysis, information and reviews on Latin American economies, focusing on those areas closely related to current development strategies in the region and its implications for sustainable development alternatives. 

 

 

 

 

Latin America: Social spending grows, but poverty does not decrease
    The region has suffered successive economic crises. During these crises there were few emergency social protection plans to confront the crises, and no plans to respond to natural disasters. These are clear evidence of the irrational social use of government spending. By Carolina Villalba. MORE
     

 

How progressive is Stiglitz?

    Economist Joseph Stiglitz appears increasingly often as a reference and source of inspiration for many advocates of new development policies. We find ourselves in a situation where a traditional economist appears as a figure that is cited by the most diverse array of alternative movements. There is something odd in all this: Stiglitz is still a conventional economist and his positions are nearly always rooted in the liberal tradition. Analysis by E. Gudynas. MORE

 

World Bank and good business

    World Bank's new version of how to do "good business", covered 175 countries, with updated information about the reforms carried out to attract investments. Factors like the protection of foreign investments and labor market flexibility were highlighted in the report. However, social and environmental aspects are not included as part of good business. The World Bank insists on the liberalization of economies. MORE
 
Alternative financial "country risk" indicator
  D3E CLAES developed an alternative country risk assessment method to the conventional "country risk" indicators. While conventional ratings made by international companies, like Standard & Poor's or Moody's, are restricted to financial returns and profits, the new index includes social, political and environmental components. Under the new index both Argentina and Brazil are under social and environmental default. (Spanish) MORE
Debt and capital flows
 

Latin America has substantially reduced the emission of international foreign debt bonds. The foreign currency bonds in 2005 were almost 34 billion, down 20 billion in comparison with the situation 10 years ago. However, there is an increase in the foreign debt for almost all the countries.  Analysis by Paola Visca. (Spanish) MORE

Overview of the recent debate on IMF conditionalities on fiscal results and social expenditures in Latinamerica.  (Spanish) MORE

Also, an example for the Latin American debt burden are the London agreements on external debt renegotiations, made after World War II. (English) MORE

“Soft” integration and “rigid” trade
  There is a proliferation of different discourses on integration in Latin America in which it is conceived particularly in the form of trade agreements while other critical issues are overlooked, such as the changes in cultural patterns or the inheritance of neo-liberal reforms. Eduardo Gudynas argues that by ignoring this other essential dimensions, the region is experiencing a “soft integration” that does not generate enough concrete measures (English) [PDF] DOWNLOAD
Free trade and FTAA
    D3E CLAES publishes regularly about trade. The latest book "Free trade: myth and reality" is a collection of essays about new challenges in integration processes. The book has contributions from A. Acosta and E. Gudynas, including as well classical economic texts of F. List or J. M. Keynes, mixed with actual discussions of J. Estay, C. Lara and J. Schuldt. (MORE) "The shadows of FTAA" contains articles and reports from members of staff of D3E CLAES about the ministerial summit for the FTAA negotiations in Miami. Available in PDF (Spanish). DOWNLOAD
     
   

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ARGENTINA'S DEBT - A brief review of the renegotiation of the Argentinean external debt. (Spanish) MORE

CAPITAL FLOWS - Foreign investment is growing again in Latin America, reaching US$ 40 billion in 2004, but is still under the averages of the golden age of the 90s. (Spanish) MORE

ECONOMY IN THE SOUTH - Website on economy and development in Latin America, maintained by D3E CLAES. MORE