What strategies did Latin American countries use to manage foreign debt?

Latin American countries managed foreign debt through debt restructuring, austerity measures, and seeking assistance from international financial institutions.

In the late 20th century, Latin American countries faced significant challenges in managing their foreign debt. One of the primary strategies they used was debt restructuring. This involved negotiating with creditors to alter the terms of their debt agreements, often extending the repayment period or reducing the overall amount owed. This was a complex process that required careful negotiation and often involved the participation of international financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.

Another strategy was the implementation of austerity measures. These are economic policies aimed at reducing government budget deficits through spending cuts, tax increases, or a combination of both. Austerity measures were often a condition for receiving financial assistance from international institutions. While these measures could help to stabilise the economy and restore investor confidence, they were also often associated with social unrest and increased poverty levels due to cuts in public services and increased taxes.

Latin American countries also sought assistance from international financial institutions like the IMF and the World Bank. These institutions provided loans and technical assistance to help countries manage their debt and implement economic reforms. However, the assistance often came with conditions, such as the implementation of structural adjustment programmes. These programmes typically involved economic liberalisation measures such as privatisation, deregulation, and trade liberalisation, which were often controversial and had mixed results.

In some cases, countries also used strategies such as debt repudiation or default. This involved refusing to pay back the debt or declaring inability to do so. While this could provide short-term relief, it also had significant long-term consequences, including damaging the country's credit rating and its ability to borrow in the future.

Overall, managing foreign debt was a complex process that required a combination of strategies. The effectiveness of these strategies varied, and they often had significant social and economic implications.