Features of interaction between the state and transnational corporations in the countries of Latin America

Abstract

The article examines the place of transnational corporations (TNCs) in the political process of Latin American countries, their interaction with state institutions and political actors. The purpose of the article is to identify the most characteristic features of the activities of TNCs in the political sphere in Latin America and their interaction with state institutions. Applying the main provisions of neo-institutional and network approaches, the author analyzes the key resources of TNCs and the possibility of using them to increase influence in the political sphere: converting financial assets into political resources; government support from the country of origin; effectiveness of introduction of innovations and implementation of innovative potential; access to the development of strategic industries; relatively low pressure from civil society. Among the various types of relationships between TNCs and the states of Latin America, it is proposed to distinguish cooperative, conflict and neutral, examples of such types are given. Particular attention is paid to the choice by corporations of bargaining and nonbargaining strategies of political behavior. The author concludes that the most characteristic features of the interaction of TNCs and state institutions in Latin America are the following: the desire of a state to control the activities of foreign companies on its territory; creation and support of multinational companies with state participation; striving for the nationalization of transnational business in the event of the establishment of authoritarian regimes.