Inequalities, Economies of Fear and Geopolitical Turmoil : Southeastern Europe and Central America Beyond Borders

Since the end of the Cold War, world politics has been dominated by a "coherent set of convictions" aiming to demonstrate that the globalization of capital would lead to the consolidation of more stable and rational societies. This was accompanied by a narrative based on the belief that if the "less developed" countries applied the economic "recipes" of this globalization, privatizing state enterprises, deregulating markets, reducing public spending, they would balance fiscal accounts, make employment more flexible and become rich investment grounds. Central America and Southeast Europe, in particular non-EU countries, are two examples, among many others, of regions where financial globalization was established as a starting point for the construction of new states, new social ties and future democracies. However, all the hopes placed in this socio-economic model were quickly dashed with the emergence of a new global disorder that erupted with the 2008 financial crisis. Uncertainty submerged citizens, political authoritarianism was revitalized and the strengthening of the rule of law receded.

Keywords: Global politics, austerity, alterity, margins, authoritarian populism