Circulatory Progress: Anti-Belt and Road Initiative Indigenous Movements in Ecuador

Abstract

In Ecuador, the indigenous Andean philosophy of Sumak Kawsay—living in balance and harmony with people, nature, and all things that make up the world—was incorporated into the 2008 Constitution as an alternative to neoliberal development. However, neoliberal policies continue in Ecuador, especially in projects of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a series of global infrastructure development projects spearheaded by China. In examining this paradoxical context, I adopt decolonizing theory to be in the dialogue with anti-BRI indigenous movements in Ecuador, pursuing a bottom-up approach centered on the movements and their non-linear progress guided by indigenous voices, arguments, and theories. Based on the theory, I argue that the continuation of neoliberal development despite constitutional safeguards is a result of Sumak Kawsay’s entanglements with neoliberal co-optation. Although anti-BRI indigenous movements reframed their vision to be more pragmatic, they faced limitations shortly after their legal victories. However, through pacha, an Andean epistemology that views time as circulatory, I argue that these anti-BRI indigenous movements should not be evaluated individually as “failures” or “limited success.” Moments of triumphs and tribulations interact and influence one another and create progressive outcomes towards Sumak Kawsay in the process. I present moments of empowerment and solidarity to all movements against legacies of colonialism and neoliberalism. Everything we have done is connected. It is meaningful. And it brings “progress” without an end.