Bachelor
2025/2026
Business and Politics in Latin American Countries
Type:
Elective course (International Business)
Delivered by:
Department of Strategic and International Management
When:
4 year, 2 module
Open to:
students of one campus
Language:
English
ECTS credits:
4
Contact hours:
40
Course Syllabus
Abstract
The course "Business and Politics in Latin America" offers an in-depth study of the relationship between economic opportunities and political realities in the countries of this diverse and multifaceted region. The course examines the specifics of Latin American markets, including key economic sectors, growth trends and challenges faced by local and international companies. Students will study important aspects of the political environment, such as government stability, the impact of corruption, electoral processes and economic sanctions, as well as how these factors shape the business climate. Particular attention will be paid to the analysis of the role of the state in the economy, including state support programs, regulation and privatization. Students will learn about successful examples of companies that have been able to adapt to the rapidly changing political and economic landscape of Latin America.
Learning Objectives
- To equip students with a critical understanding of how political power and business interests interact to shape economic and social outcomes in Latin America, preparing them to analyze contemporary challenges and opportunities in the region.
Expected Learning Outcomes
- Identify the key historical periods and economic models that have shaped the modern business-political environment in Latin America.
- Analyze the political incentives and constraints facing both policymakers and business leaders in the region.
- Evaluate the impact of political institutions on economic policy and business strategy.
- Compare and contrast business-state relations across different Latin American countries.
- Critically assess major contemporary debates, including resource nationalism, corruption scandals, and the influence of external actors like China and the United States.
- Develop sophisticated arguments, both orally and in writing, about the complex interplay between business and politics in the region.
Interim Assessment
- 2025/2026 2nd module0.3 * Case Study Analysis + 0.5 * Final Research Paper/Policy Memo + 0.2 * Test
Bibliography
Recommended Core Bibliography
- Carla Mooney, & Carolyn DeCarlo. (2018). The Economy of Latin America. [N.p.]: Britannica Educational Publishing. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=1502675
- Latin American politics and development, , 2023
Recommended Additional Bibliography
- 9781400889723 - Sábato, Hilda - Republics of the New World : The Revolutionary Political Experiment in Nineteenth-Century Latin America - 2018 - Princeton University Press - http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=1628411 - nlebk - 1628411
- Baraibar Norberg, M. V. (DE-588)1197338950, (DE-627)1679125117, aut. (2020). The political economy of agrarian change in Latin America Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay Matilda Baraibar Norberg. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edswao&AN=edswao.1677996919
- González, Y. M. V. (DE-588)1179421205, (DE-627)1067262555, (DE-576)518237362, aut. (2019). The social origins of institutional weakness and change preferences, power, and police reform in Latin America Yanilda González. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edswao&AN=edswao.518236382