ALBA-TCP Celebrates Two Decades as a Pillar of Latin American Social Movements
Hugo Chavez (L) and Fidel Castro (R). X/ @ALBATCP
December 11, 2024 Hour: 2:31 pm
This integration mechanism has established itself as a bastion for those seeking alternatives to the international hegemonic order.
In December 2004, Hugo Chavez and Fidel Castro laid the groundwork for the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America – Peoples’ Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP) in response to the U.S.-backed Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA). Since then, what began as an act of resistance against neoliberal policies has transformed into a key platform for economic, social, and political cooperation among countries.
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In the history of Latin American integration, ALBA-TCP marked a milestone by becoming the first organization designed specifically to combat poverty and social exclusion.
Based on these foundations, this institution promotes a post-liberal and anti-imperialist approach aimed at strengthening the national sovereignty of its members.
The initial alliance between Venezuela and Cuba was later joined by Bolivia (2006), Nicaragua (2007), Dominica (2008), Antigua and Barbuda (2009), Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (2009), Saint Kitts and Nevis (2014), Grenada (2014), and Saint Lucia (2021).
ALBA-TCP has demonstrated that another model of development and collaboration among countries is possible through initiatives such as large-scale literacy campaigns and the Miracle Mission, which restored vision to more than 5 million people.
At its 23rd summit held in Caracas this year, ALBA-TCP leaders approved the “2030 Strategic Agenda,” a plan aimed at strengthening regional integration through actions in economic, social, cultural, and communicational fields. They also reaffirmed their commitment to the Palestinian cause, reflecting ALBA-TCP’s solidarity-based approach to international issues.
Currently, ALBA-TCP faces significant challenges in a global context marked by economic crises, unilateral sanctions, and the impact of persistent neoliberal policies. “The alliance must seek creative solutions to counter external dependency and foster productive and commercial coordination that benefits member countries,” said economist Julio Gambina.
Beyond diplomatic agreements, ALBA-TCP has become a source of inspiration for social movements, as it represents a vision of integration based on cooperation and solidarity, as opposed to the competition-driven model promoted by organizations such as the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR) and the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
“ALBA-TCP is the alliance that allows us to face challenges and threats together,” Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel pointed out.
With more than 63 million people under its influence, ALBA-TCP continues to be a bastion for those seeking alternatives to the dominant system, proving that the path to a fairer future lies in the union of the peoples of the region.
teleSUR/ JF Sources: teleSUR – ALBA-TCP
