LATIN AMERICA AND THE COLD WAR: PERSPECTIVES FROM TRANSNATIONAL AND GLOBAL HISTORY
In recent decades, the historiography on the Cold War in Latin America has undergone a profound methodological and conceptual renewal. In contrast to traditional interpretations centered on the bipolar confrontation between the United States and the Soviet Union, recent studies have highlighted the capacity of Latin American actors to influence international processes, as well as the importance of the networks, circulations and exchanges that transcended national borders. From this perspective, the Cold War is understood as a global phenomenon whose local manifestations were shaped by transnational political, social, cultural and economic dynamics.
In this sense, the proposed panel aims to bring together research that analyzes Latin America from transnational and global approaches, paying special attention to the connections between state and non-state actors; the circulation of ideas, people and knowledge; international cooperation programs; cultural diplomacy; social and political movements; exiles; intellectual networks; international organizations; as well as the processes of transfer and appropriation of development and modernization models. Contributions incorporating comparative perspectives or exploring the interactions between Latin America and other regions of the world will also be welcome.
The proposal seeks to foster dialogue among researchers from different disciplines and to promote new interpretations of Latin America’s role in shaping the global Cold War. It also aims to reflect on recent advances in historiography, newly available sources, and the methodological challenges posed by the study of historical phenomena that go beyond traditional national frameworks.
