China Engages Latin America: Distorting Development and Democracy?

This book explores China's engagement with Latin America and the Caribbean as a case study of its broader effort to create a global economic order. It highlights China's efforts to dominate global value chains, leverage technology, and use military components to achieve its goals. The book examines evidence for China's economically-focused strategy, including the interrelationships and coordination between Chinese activities in different sectors. It also looks at the supporting role played by Chinese initiatives such as the Belt and Road initiative, people-to-people diplomacy, soft power, security engagement, and the PRC's struggle with Taiwan for diplomatic recognition. The book emphasizes the implications for Latin America and the Caribbean, and for the U.S., whose prosperity and security are closely tied to the region.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 16 March 2023
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive book delves into China's intricate engagement with Latin America and the Caribbean, serving as a valuable case study of its broader endeavor to establish a global economic order that aligns with its interests while mitigating challenges from institutions, states, and other adversaries. Contrary to the prevalent portrayal of the Cold War as a purely political-military conflict, this work offers a unique perspective by emphasizing China's primary focus on dominating global value chains, complemented by supportive political, technological, and military elements. By leveraging and extending beyond dependency theory, which has played a pivotal role in regional academic and popular discourse, the book sheds light on China's economically-driven strategy within the Latin American and Caribbean region.

The book meticulously explores evidence of China's economically-focused approach within Latin America and the Caribbean, examining the interconnections and coordination between China's activities across various sectors and the interplay between commercial, political, and other dimensions in the region. It also delves into the supportive role played by a diverse array of Chinese initiatives, including the Belt and Road Initiative, people-to-people diplomacy, soft power, security engagement, and the PRC's ongoing struggle for diplomatic recognition in the region, among others.

The book highlights the significant implications for Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as for the United States, whose prosperity and security are intricately linked to the region. It sheds light on China's growing influence, economic investments, and diplomatic strategies, raising important questions about the region's future trajectory, regional dynamics, and the broader global economic landscape. By providing a comprehensive analysis of China's engagement with Latin America and the Caribbean, this book offers valuable insights for policymakers, scholars, and anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics shaping the world today.

Weight: 405g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030960513
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022