The South American Lions

The South American Lions is a term used for the developed economies of Argentina, Brazil, Peru and Venezuela (although sometimes Chile is included). Between the 1950s until the early 1980s. They underwent a period of rapid industrialization and maintained constant growth rates of more than 4 percent a year, these countries had came out of a tough economic background with various recessions between 1900s and 1940s. Argentina and Brazil saw a shortage in their agricultural exports, Peru underwent several armed conflicts, and Venezuela returned to democracy in 1958 after a decade dictatorship.

Interestingly, all countries went through rapid economic growth via very different economic policies. Argentina industrialized with the implementation of protectionist policies that encouraged the growth of national industries, Brazil and Venezuela through neoliberal policies and holding close relations with the United States, and Peru industrialized thanks to a full planning of their economy.

Argentina, Brazil and Peru would become industrialized powerhouses, with a hegemonic influence regionally and around the globe. Venezuela and Chile achieved high standards of living and the development of an advanced economy, however they were never able to reach a hegemonic status.

= Impact on other countries =