Luis Esteban G. Manrique presents his latest book in CIDOB

The CIDOB Foundation’s Jordi Maragall Hall hosted the presentation of De la conquista a la globalización: Estados, naciones y nacionalismos en América Latina [From Conquest to Globalisation: States, Nations and Nationalisms in Latin America], an interpretation essay on the ideological evolution of the concepts of nation and nationalism in Latin America, from their Hispanic roots up to the present day. 

Luis Esteban G. Manrique confessed his motivation when it came to writing this book: “the generalised perception among citizens of the different Latin American countries concerning the weak results of the national project in each of their situations”. The author also reminded the audience that in 2010 celebrations of the bicentennials of the independence of the Latin American countries will begin. 

“This occasion invites us to reflect on national origins, make an assessment of results and analyse prospects for the future.” Also participating in the presentation were Francesc Granell, Professor of International Economic Organisation at the University of Barcelona; Anna Ayuso, Co-ordinator of the CIDOB Foundation’s Latin America Programme; and Francesc Bayo, Researcher in the CIDOB Foundation’s Latin America Programme. 

Throughout this essay, Luis Esteban G. Manrique explores the history of Latin American countries and analyses issues that have concerned several generations, who attempted different projects to consolidate the formation of nationality and the construction of the State. This labour has produced consequences in the political, economic and social processes of these countries.