Latin American (Neo-)Extractivism – A New Shade of Rentierism?

• In Event: (Neo)extractivism: Argentina, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador – 1

Abstract

21st century Latin America is shaped by different forms of the (Neo-)Extractivist Development Model. Although there are many variations of this model, economic boom and social progress made in the last decade is based to a considerable degree on the extraction and exportation of natural resources. Although there is a consensus that the recent improvements of mayor economic and social indicators are based on the appropriation of international rents, the abundant literature of Rentierism has not yet paid much attention to Latin America’s Neo-Extractivism. Indeed, whereas insights from Rentier Theory may contribute to the enhancement of theoretical reflection on (Neo-)Extractivism, current social and political processes in Latin America also challenge some of the mayor assumptions of Rentier Theory. The discusses the relationship between (Neo-)Extractivism and Rentier Theory and aims to highlight the particularities of Latin American (Neo-)Extractivism with regard to different forms of Rentierism, thereby refining our understanding both of (Neo-) Extractivism and Rentierims.

Author

• Stefan Peters, Kassel University