The last quarter of the twentieth century was a period of economic crises, increasing indebtedness as well as financial instability for Latin America and most other developing countries; in contrast, China showed amazingly high growth rates during this time and has since become the third largest economy in the world. Based on several case studies, this volume assesses how China's rise - one of the most important recent changes in the global economy - is affecting Latin America's national politics, political economy and regional and international relations. Several Latin American countries benefit from China's economic growth, and China's new role in international politics has been helpful to many leftist governments' efforts in Latin America to end the Washington Consensus. The contributors to this thought provoking volume examine these and the other causes, effects and prospects of Latin America's experiences with China's global expansion from a South - South perspective.

Papers presented at the conferences, "Southern Engines of Global Growth: the Role of China and India," held in Beijing in January 2007 and "Southern Engines of Global Growth: China, India, Brazil and South Africa," held in Helsinki in September 2007.

"Analyzes the history and motivations of U.S.-China-Latin America relationship. Focuses on China's growing economic ties to the region, including Latin America's role in China's search for energy resources. Highlights the geopolitical implications of Chinese hemispheric policy and sets recent developments in the context of China's role in the developing world"--Provided by publisher.

Latin America’s solid economic performance since 2003 has created the possibility of transforming the state for development. This year’s Latin American Economic Outlook examines the reform of the state in this context and recommends that Latin American states act now to deliver better services.