The U.S. presidency of the IDB and its dispute with China in Latin America

Abstract

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) was created in 1959 as an institution linked to Latin American development. Due to its orientation, from the beginning it was considered necessary for Latin American countries to be close to the Bank's decision making process, in order to generate a connection between its guidelines and regional needs. Within this framework, an unwritten pact was established, which stated that the Bank's presidency should be held by a Latin American country.  This agreement, which lasted 61 years, came to an end in the 2020 elections, when the United States nominated its own candidate, who would later be the winner.

The U.S. action generated different reactions in the region, both in support and rejection. Although the nomination for the IDB presidency responds to several factors, this essay will analyze how this decision is part of a strategy to limit Chinese influence in Latin America.