Latin American Neoliberalism, a Transnational Class Project?

Abstract:This article contributes to recent research efforts in understanding Latin America’s neoliberal experience. While the phenomenon’s origins have often been associated with North Atlantic experiences, this study aims to explore its emergence in the region’s historical, ideological, and political contexts. By focusing on the Inter-American Council for Trade and Production (Consejo Interamericano de Comercio y Producción), a trans-national private organization active during the second half of the 20th century, the text delves into the formation of a distinctly Latin American neoliberal ideology. The groundwork for this ideology was laid amid transcontinental discussions, negotiations, and consensus-building efforts. Contrary to diffusionist narratives, which emphasize the North’s influence on the South, this study underscores the autochthonous roots of Latin American neoliberalism. By tracing the evolution of neoliberalism within the continent’s own history, this article challenges predominant interpretations and underscores the role of endogenous political, economic, and intellectual dynamics in shaping the region’s ideological landscape.