Conclusions

Abstract

This book began by noting the optimistic prospects for a resource-based development in Latin America. Democratic consolidation, governments elected on socially responsive platforms, and stable economic growth were pointed to as indications that the region’s natural resources can be used and stewarded for the benefit of broad sectors of the population. At the same time we noted some enduring challenges, and some emerging ones as well, that should remain in sight and subject to critical assessment. It is primarily these challenges that occupy the pages of this book. This is not, I believe, because we as authors do not recognize the positive impacts that resource extraction (if done well) can bring to society. It rather is because we are wary of the legacy of resource extraction in the region, and because our professional and normative orientations draw our attention toward power differentials and injustice. Political practices and governance models should continuously be subject to critical analysis and assessment in the hope that such analysis may contribute better practices.