The Political Implications of Latin America’s Slowing Growth

Brazilians head to the polls, and the results could be a bellweather for the whole region. Latin American economies have flourished during the last decade due to growing worldwide demand for their copper, iron ore, meat and soy. However, the region can anticipate a slowdown as the world continues to recover from recent economic crises and as growth subsides in China, their main market. Regional governments must find new ways to meet the increasing demands of their newly formed middle class with regards to improved living conditions and better infrastructure — tensions already manifested with street protests in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Peru. Economic reforms are one possible substitute for stagnant exports and are at the heart of Brazil's election. – YaleGlobal