LASA/EANLAS: Rethinking Trans-Pacific Ties: Asia and Latin America

The impacts of China-Latin American relations on US hegemony: forming consensus or counter-hegemony?

• In Event: China and Latin America in the shifting international order

Abstract

Latin America is experiencing a relevant geopolitical transformation triggered chiefly by the Chinese economic expansion in the continent and revealing the possibility of a hegemonic dispute. The literature on China’s inroads in America Latina is extensive and divided into two branches: some authors consider Latin America-China relations relatively symmetric and beneficial, while others perceive them as reproducing dependence structures. The article aims to contribute to this literature, investigating the impacts of China’s increasing relations with Latin America on US regional hegemony and building on the question: does China favors counter-hegemonic forces and autonomy in Latin America? The article divides into four sections: the first will debate the concept of hegemony, building on the IR neo-Gramscian perspective, and identifying the construction of consensus as key. The second one will examine China’s expansion in Latin America, questioning the idea of South-South cooperation and analyzing how it has mobilized ideas, institutions, and material capabilities. The third section will examine the bilateral relations with Brazil from 2016 to 2021 to evaluate China’s policies, contradictions, and US reactions. The analysis will focus on how domestic groups perceive the Asian power and examine the impact of the bilateral relations on the social forces’ relative strength. To investigate the Chinese inroads in Latin America, I will consult the Policy Papers directed to the region, map how Latin America fits in the Chinese strategic projects, and access public databases on China’s investments and trade. To analyze China-Brazil relations, I will examine both public documents, treaties, and media reports.

Author

• Livia P Milani, PPG RI San Tiago Dantas