The Labyrinth: The Letter of Jamaica as Foundational Text for Latin American Political Thought

Authors: Felix RengelSanchez, Diana Cassells

SUNY Campus: Purchase College

Presentation Type: Oral

Location: UUW 325

Presentation #: 10

Timeslot: Session B 10:15-11:15 AM

Abstract: This paper examines the lasting significance of Simón Bolívar’s Carta de Jamaica (1815) as a foundational text for Latin American political thought and its relevance to contemporary efforts toward regional unity and development. The study investigates how Bolívar’s vision of continental unity, economic dependency, and racial miscegenation, articulated in the Carta de Jamaica, resonates in modern Latin America. Using a qualitative, document-based methodology, the research analyzes the Carta de Jamaica alongside secondary literature on Bolivarian thought, dependency theory, and regional integration. Preliminary findings reveal that Bolívar’s critique of colonial dependency, his emphasis on racial and cultural mestizaje, and his call for continental unity remain highly relevant in addressing current challenges such as economic inequality, political fragmentation, and external influence. While Bolívar’s ideals have inspired initiatives like UNASUR and ALBA, their full realization is hindered by structural and ideological barriers. The paper argues that Bolívar’s vision offers a valuable framework for fostering a more unified and equitable Latin America, though its implementation requires addressing persistent divisions and adapting to modern realities. This research highlights the need for a renewed commitment to Bolivarian principles to advance regional integration and development in the 21st century.