Modernity or Modernities in the EU-LATAM relation?
By Cesar Vargas
EU-LATIN Business Forum Director
In the constant exercise of my role in fostering Latin American interests in Brussels, I find myself immersed in a question that constitutes a central core of reflection and debate: what significance does the term "modern" hold? At first glance, this question may appear trivial; however, its symbolic depth often goes unnoticed in everyday discourse. In plain terms, it is common to encounter a simplistic dichotomy, occasionally tinged with neocolonial nuances, when addressing perceptions of Latin America and Europe. Latin America is often simplistically portrayed as pre-modern or semi-modern, while Europe is unquestionably seen as the embodiment of the modern.
Nevertheless, this reductionist mental approach limits our capacity to comprehend that, in various dimensions, Latin America can legitimately assert itself as "more modern" than Europe. For example, in the political sphere, there are no monarchies in the American continent, in contrast to Europe, where monarchy persists, manifesting itself in everyday life and entrenched traditions, coexisting with technological advancements such as iPhones, climate change protests, and the development of artificial intelligence. This context compels us to question whether the monarchical institution’s foundations in divine or natural superiority can be considered more modern than the democratic republics that characterize Latin America.
In this scenario, the imperative need emerges to enrich our multilateral perspectives by employing the notion of "Modernities" in the plural. Why this perspective? Firstly, it is essential to define what is meant by "modern." Following the conceptualization of Bolívar Echeverría, an eminent Latin American intellectual, “Modernity” is "fundamentally a specific civilizational project of European history, a long-term historical project that has manifested itself since the 12th and 13th centuries and appears to be in decline in our present times. It is characterized by its orientation towards the affirmation of a new life and its efforts to solve the problems affecting it while possessing its vision of how that new life should be."
This concept allows us to recognize that although the "modern" has its roots in Europe, its historical evolution has not been exclusively confined to this continent. On the contrary, it has taken on various manifestations throughout history, giving rise to American modernity, Asian modernity, and, why not, Latin American, African, and Muslim modernities. These multiple forms of modernity are characterized by their distinctive features, stemming from their respective historical trajectories, economic developments, ethnic compositions, religious contexts, and political configurations. However, these inherent differences do not exclude them from the modern category. Thus, the pertinent question arises of whether Japan or the United States, despite not being European, can be considered modern countries.
Latin American modernity, in particular, exhibits elements that distinguish it noticeably from its European counterpart. The region has enacted a series of feminist, ecological, and indigenous cultural protection laws that surpass those of many Western and Mediterranean European countries in scope and depth. Furthermore, Latin America boasts greater internet connectivity longevity compared to Europe. Its diversity of trade agreements with Asia places it at the center of the rise of Asian giants and international trade in the 21st century. All these elements challenge the traditional notion of Europe as the sole beacon of modernity, fostering the conception of a dialogue of Modernities.
In this context, it is crucial to recognize that the monolithic focus on modernity, which relegates Latin America to a position of mere passive receptivity to European trends, is unsatisfactory and lacks elucidation. While this perspective may have been valid in the 16th century, maintaining such a narrow view today generates confusion and impedes the identification of growth and innovation opportunities in the 21st century, as evidenced by the various modernities across the globe.
Consequently, it is imperative to abandon the anachronistic notion of a single, universal modernity in favor of an approach that acknowledges the diverse manifestations of modernity in different regions of the world. The concept of "Modernities" emerges as the appropriate conceptual framework for this purpose. Adopting this approach makes possible a richer and more nuanced understanding of contemporary global dynamics and the diverse paths each region embarks on toward affirming a new life within the context of advancing productive models.
Ultimately, the debate between Modernity and Modernities is not merely a semantic matter but an essential exercise to comprehend and address the complex realities of our contemporary world. By adopting a perspective of Modernities, we expand our intellectual horizons and equip ourselves to confront the challenges and opportunities arising in a global landscape characterized by diversity and interconnectedness. This approach, in essence, provides us with a more robust and meaningful foundation for reflection and action in the 21st century.
