Emancipatory movements in Latin America: challenges and impetus arising from the historical formation of the region

Abstract This article aims to investigate whether the interpretation of the social movements which emerged in the turn of the century as movements defined by their struggles against neoliberalism is applicable for Latin America. With this purpose, the text follows a methodology based on the discussion of some of the main social movements that are currently active in the region, through an analytical scheme, which prioritises the understanding of the historical formation of this subcontinent and its position in the world economy. The hypothesis is that these elements are crucial for a proper appreciation of the material and ideological ground in which these movements carry out their struggles, as well as the huge socioeconomic contradictions, which may create obstacles, but also impetus for contestation. Finally, the text debates the promotion of these movements on regional and international level, taking into consideration the potential of internationalisation related to four axes which were identified in the research—namely livelihood, territory, ethnical identity and sustainability. Through this analysis, the article contributes to the understanding of the raison d’être of these Latin American social movements, but also to the discussions on the emancipatory potential ingrained in their struggles.