Ruptures and opportunities: proposals for Latin America and the Caribbean to thrive in the new geopolitical era

Great power rivalry, ongoing technological revolutions and changing world views and values have led to several ruptures in the world order. In late 2024, the Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) convened an independent commission and invited its members to prepare a report on the impacts of the evolving global environment on the region and make recommendations on how the countries of the region might respond. This book is the result of the work of the ECLAC Commission on Geopolitics, Globalization and Development for Latin America and the Caribbean. It is intended primarily for decision makers in government, the business sector and civil society who face the challenge of managing the profound transformations in the world order that are currently under way. One key message is that, while the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean cannot fully control these transformations, they have assets and options to navigate the new global landscape to achieve development gains and increase their agency in international affairs. Critically, their success will depend on the ability to craft appropriate strategies and to strengthen their governance and institutions to ensure effective implementation.