A Iniciativa Cinturão e Rota na América do Sul: investimentos no setor energético na Bolívia

Abstract

This work is dedicated to the analysis of the Belt and Road Initiative's investments in the Bolivian energy sector, based on International Political Economy and Marxist theory. The research was carried out using multiple sources: specialized literature; reports from international organizations and think tanks; official documents and speeches by leaders of both countries. The New Silk Road is the main Chinese project on the global stage and is responsible for investment in infrastructure works, having invested more than US$1 trillion over its ten years of implementation (2013-2023). In South America, this project focuses on three main areas: energy, transport and telecommunications. The choice of Bolivia as an object was based on the fact that the country is the largest holder of lithium, a critical mineral used in high-value goods and in energy transition projects. This country joined the initiative in 2018, expressing its interest in attracting investments in the transport and energy sector, while it also wants to invest in its industrial park and produce goods with greater added value.