The Arab World and Latin America: economic and political relations in the 21st century

Complexity and contrasts form the premise of “The Arab World and Latin America: economic and political relations in the 21st century” (I B Tauris, 2016). Both regions have been subjected to forms of colonial domination, yet different trajectories have been pursued, outlining discrepancies particularly in relation to economics as a derivative of power.

The collection of essays in this book illustrates a comprehensive approach to economics which is not limited to the usual perfunctory observations. By expounding upon issues such as education, culture, history and international relations, the reader gains additional insight, allowing for an understanding of the economic process as an inclusion of all political and social aspects, and how these influence the outcomes when it comes to trade agreements, investments and planning.

In the preface, editor Fehmy Saddy points out the primary difference between the regions in terms of economics and power. Latin American countries have pursued relations with Arab countries through autonomous decision-making, something which is much less visible from the other end of the spectrum. Indeed, it is here that the first ramifications of colonialism are rendered visible; colonial domination was a factor that brought both regions together in past decades through the establishment of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). However, Latin America managed to defy US imperialist subjugation in several areas pertaining to international relations. While a consistent approach was not always applied – US influence to strengthen Israel at the expense of Palestinians was initially heeded by the region – as the War on Terror metaphor expanded to include Iraq, Latin America asserted its stance in the international arena with more clarity.

Arab dependence upon the West, meanwhile, particularly in the Gulf countries, has produced a complacent approach to economics which exacerbated the limitations of Arab states’ geographical environment. In fact, food security is one of the topics discussed in intricate detail in the book, showing that a lack of planning and strategy continues to plague these countries, in stark contrast to Brazil, for example, which is considered a country to emulate as regards agriculture.

Focusing first on the economic integration of South America, attention then turned towards alternative trading partners, thus weaning off the previous dependency upon the US. In 2012, the Lima Declaration called for cooperation between both regions, at a time when the political stage was influenced heavily by foreign interference in Arab countries as well as Israel’s increasingly aggressive stance towards Gaza in particular. Latin America was more vociferous than the Arab world in its condemnation of Israel’s atrocities, with Cuba at the helm.

A considerable portion of the book focuses upon Brazil, which is home to the largest Arab community in South America. Celso Amorim’s description of Brazil’s influence in the international arena portrays a country that garnered favour among Arab countries due to its “balanced postures at the UN”. Brazil’s foreign policy was changed by former president Lula da Silva, who sought to alter the prevailing concept of power and control. As quoted by Amorim, Lula had declared: “Developing countries must convince themselves that it is in their power to transform the economic-commercial geography of the world, without confrontation, though very firmly.” The stance, however, was not void of contradictions. Lula also travelled to Israel to assure the colonial entity of “the traditional bonds of friendship between Brazil and Israel.”

A contribution by Cecilia Baeza and Elena Lazarou discusses how “cultural and educational cooperation is at the roots of inter-regionalism.” The chapter, which focuses upon the importance of regional identity-building and reciprocal awareness, particularly in culture and education, shows that initiatives to strengthen common bonds is lacking, thus also hindering reciprocity and stifling many possibilities due to shunning the importance of bridging the gaps between economics, politics and society.

The lack of reciprocity, particularly on behalf of Arab countries, is a trend that is evident throughout the book. Although there has been an increase in trade between both regions, it is still insignificant in comparison to global trading activity. Arezki Daoud highlights two main limitations in this regard when it comes to energy cooperation: the fact that both regions have developed petroleum industries while also having an absence of initiatives when it comes to overcoming cultural and educational barriers.

It is clear from all of the chapters that the Arab world should invest further in sustaining trade with Latin America, given that the latter is, geographically, better equipped to sustain itself. A discussion regarding water scarcity and food security in the Arab world once again brings Brazil into the limelight, due to the country having the largest resource of renewable water in the world per year and also the resilience of the Brazilian economy due to the country’s comprehensive approach to agriculture, not to mention its vast mineral deposits and land area.

Brazil has also incorporated agriculture into its consciousness by altering the perception into a sustainable endeavour supported by the government and state institutions, including universities. On the other hand, the disdain for agriculture embodied by Arab countries has prevailed, making the attempts at agrarian reform in the aftermath of the Second World War a mere political ploy. Saddy contrasts the attitudes of both Brazil and the Arab world in a manner that portrays the latter as isolating itself in its reluctance to change its perception, despite the fact that it is the region that is most likely to face a crisis of food security. The suggestion that Saddy makes in this regard is a structuring of education programmes on food security across the entire social spectrum, from history and sciences to technology and marketing. Such an approach would also eliminate the divide between politics and society, making economics more tangible and inclusive of participation.

While at first glance this book might seem a slightly daunting read, its wealth of information is analysed skilfully to provide not only insights, but also informed, alternative perceptions. Its focus would have benefited from more examples of Latin America’s dealings with Israel and how reliance upon Israeli surveillance technology fits into the wider framework of relations between both regions. In a book replete with political contrasts, the existence of Israel as a non-Arab colonial entity in the Middle East could have served to portray both regions’ interests in upholding relations with Israel and at what cost. This could have led us to another reason as to why the Arab world continues to sabotage its independence and, as far as Latin America is concerned, shed light upon the prevailing political stance of upholding a largely anti-colonial stance, albeit with reservations.