Deconstructing the causality of matter and ideas in International Relations. a post-Marxist contribution to China-Latin America studies

Abstract

This article questions the causal role literature has given to matter and ideas to explain China’s relations with Latin America. By drawing on post-Marxist discourse theory, I propose applying the ontology of discourse and the instability of objects. First, the empirical-positivist creed on the causality of objects is deconstructed to question that the mainstream does not account for the agency power of Latin American states. Instead, I propose the international practice category to understand how China and Latin American states articulate their bilateral relations politically. Taking Chile-China relations as a case study, declassified diplomatic sources are analysed in three relevant historical moments. It is argued that, rather than being determined by the cause of material factors or shared ideas, these countries engaged politically to set the symbolic terrain of the bilateral relationship at each historical juncture. The empirical analysis shows how Chile and China articulated their practices through political convergences and divergences on issues crucial to their respective foreign policies.