Heteronomy, Progressivism and Public P olicies in Latin America

Abstract

The analysis of the historical dynamics of insertion of Latin America in the context of imperialism and its gradual financialization, incites us to evaluate the state’s actions in the present century. In this study we seek to demonstrate the persistence of the heteronomous character of the directives of the national policies in Latin America, even during the period of progressive governments. This theoretical essay is supported by critical theories emphasizing a contextual development of the dynamics of the international system. We assess how, since the heteronomous insertion of the Latin-American countries, these characteristics persevere to the beginning of this century, even with the ascension of progressive governments, although eventually some sectorial political policies aimed at alternative ways. In recent years, a bias articulated by neoliberals and conservatives in national governments has been strengthened, which is struggling for increasing heteronomous public policies.