State, Market, and Society, by Ramon Fogel (2023)

La voluntad de los mercados en Estado y en la sociedad

Abstract

Since its establishment as a political-administrative region, both during the colonial period and in its stage of independence, Paraguay has been subject to various actors and contexts that influenced its political and social formation. Paraguayan history has been characterized by the weakness of the State and the unmet demands of its population. In his book, researcher Ramón Fogel explores the reasons that led to the country being configured in such a way. Across seven chapters, the referenced sociologist analyzes the dynamics between the State, markets, and society, highlighting state subjugation and social suffering as a consequence of international capital interests. The author argues that the lack of an autonomous development project and the absence of adequate attention from the State are key factors in this unjust dynamic. Furthermore, Fogel suggests that these characteristics could be applied to other realities in Latin America, expanding the relevance of his analysis beyond Paraguay