Towards an Uncertain Future

This weeks readings focus on the changing dynamic in Latin America that persists to this day. With the push of neo-liberal reform on many nations as required by various international bodies new economies were opened and new conflicts arose. These conflicts resulted from the removal primarily of natural resources from the nations of latin america by predominantly non latin american corporations. These corporations often entered into deals with the often corrupt governments that allowed them to circumvent or simply ignore local law. These corporations realized vast profits as a result of their projects however little to none of this wealth stayed in local communities. Also many created sever environmental damage in the areas surrounding their operations.

        Document 11.1 is an analysis of the documents produced during the Ecuadorian lawsuit brought against Teaxaco (now Chevron) by several Ecuadorian people citizens. The fact that this suit in the end was brought to court first in the United States shows how little the people trusted their own judicial system when confronting transnational corporations. However in the end the suit was remanded to the Ecuadorian courts. This may have benefited Chevron at first but a change in politics was coming. With the establishment of a more left leaning state the courts of Ecuador now ruled in favour of the plaintiffs. The documents reviewed in the 11.1 illustrate a long drawn out court case in which Chevron especially (though the plaintiffs as well) tries many delaying tactics. Chevron seems to be the stereotypical evil north american corporation in this case. Attacking witnesses characters, calling into doubt their veracity and trustworthiness. Chevron seems to constantly be delaying the trail in any way possible. This document paints Chevron in a very bad light. However we must remember these documents come from an Ecuadorian court with a strong left leaning judicial system.

        The most important aspect of this chapter and its documents appear to be in the way they illustrate a shit in Latin America in general. Latin American governments are now almost completely democratic and many lean to the left. Others still lean to the right. However as Dawson points out both seem to lean more to center than any previous time in Latin America. The evidence seems to support the fact that Latin America is shifting as a region to a more balanced and equal society regardless of the direct political stance of the nations individual governments. Do you believe that Latin America is entering a new era of change and stability?