Latin America: Another World Possible, Over the Horizon, in the 21st Century

[Writing for Znet Chris Spannos ask what the recent trend of left governments in power in Latin America means, particularly for Venezuela, which seeks to implement "21st Century Socialism"? He puts forward "participatory economics" as one model that could be a source of inspiration. --Ed].

Latin America: Another World Possible, Over the Horizon, in the 21st Century

By Chris Spannos - ZNet

Nov 21, 2006

[A variation of this piece was solicited by Washington Post.com editors for "Post Global". It will run with other pieces relating to the recent Ortega win in Nicaragua by Greg Grandin, Sergio Ramirez and Mark Weisbrot over the next few weeks. It has been revised for ZNet]

What's happening in Latin America? Was last week's victory by Daniel Ortega in Nicaragua another popular expression of desire and hope for change? Is a Leftward tide gaining ground in South America? What are the consequences for the rest of the world? Following a long history of Spanish colonialism, and decades of poverty imposed by free market policies, the people of Latin America are making efforts to shake off the neo-liberal yoke.

Although Washington had bitterly opposed Ortega's candidacy, supporting opposition groups and mounting a vitriolic propaganda campaign, it's doubtful that Ortega's win alone is much cause for concern. He has given mixed signals about whether he'll drift further to the Right, or to the Left. He has criticized the "savage capitalism" that has ravaged the country and he has also courted the country's business leaders promising to respect property rights, support the newly implemented Central American Free Trade Agreement with the US and negotiate a new economic package with the International Monetary Fund. It's too soon to tell whether he'll steer the country towards genuinely addressing the poverty and welfare of Nicaraguans or whether he'll subject the country further to neo-liberal prescription.

Much more serious for Washington are the surrounding forces which indicate shifting currents in the region. Chavez in Venezuela, a thorn in Washington's side, is aiming for Presidential re-election on December 3rd. There are the other Left of center governments, mass social and indigenous movements, and Ecuador's Nov. 26 run-off election as well, which may offer yet another continental step toward the Left if Rafael Correa is elected. Ortega's election is simply further evidence of Latin America's popular discontent, not only with inequities between North and South, but also within the South itself; and that there is a consciousness and desire stirring to do something about it.

Regional unification and integration of Latin America is aiming towards a development path independent from Washington. Still more cause for concern is that similar independence is happening in Asia, while there is also an anti-US alliance in the Middle East comprised of Iran, Shiite forces in Iraq, Syria, Hezbollah, and Hamas in Palestine. As a consequence, a third threat is movement toward a multi-polar world, away from US hegemony and its imperialist project, whether Republican or Democrat.

Upon Ortega's win presidents Elias Antonio Saca (El Salvador), Hugo Chavez (Venezuela), Evo Morales (Bolivia) and Oscar Arias (Costa Rica) welcomed Ortega saying they would work with him to contribute to regional integration. Chavez went so far as to say Ortega's victory was part of an integration axis taking shape in Latin America and that "Another world is possible and it is getting visible over the horizon", a statement aimed over and above the heads of US elites as an appeal to the people of Latin America and the world; not just a multi-polar world where the US has to abide by international law and with a reformed global economic structure, but "Another World". Chavez aims to arouse hope because he believes we can win.

Broadcasting a phone conversation with Ortega, on Venezuelan state television just after his victory, Chavez said "We're very proud of you" and "Now like never before, the Sandinista revolution and the Bolivarian revolution unite, to construct the future, socialism of the 21st century". While we don't know where Ortega will go, Chavez's talk of constructing socialism in the 21st century is serious.

The Bolivarian project is one of creating a regional force in Latin America to gain independence from the US. Chavez himself is forthright about these intentions. More, although seeking "socialism of the 21st century", Chavez has said he's not a Marxist. However, he's also stated that capitalism is inherently exploitative and could not be humanized. For a 30 year old, who missed the New Left and multi-continental movements of the 60's and 70's, envisioning "Another World", beyond capitalism (and beyond racism, sexism, corporate rule and pending ecological collapse) in the 21st century stokes hope, imagination and desire. But seeing a whole continent stir arouses inspiration of the possibility - in this century, in my life time. And because I'm hopeful I think we should hold these possibilities to serious

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Comments

[Josef Davies-Coates]

Hi Pablo,

How are you??

Have you seen this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3qa6kVMjTY

Looks like Chavez is planning to launch an alternative currency! Excellent!

Any chance you could find out more info for me? And post it on your blog too?

Cheers mate,

Excited,

Josef. :)