Chapter 7: The citizens revolution, 2006-2015: the rise of the paradoxical state President Rafael Correa, the longest serving Ecuadorian president, changed Ecuador for the better. Since his gain of authority, he has transformed Ecuador into a strong, effective country opposed to the weak and incapacitated country it once was. Under his control, the state has gained in increase in capacity, resources and governmental environmental leaders. This was made possible by the increase of state involvement and the decrease of involvement with international organizations and ecodependents. Under his authority there are five important elements that describe the changes he made for Ecuador. The first being the states new role of taking responsibility for social welfare. This allowed the state to focus more on the increase of the economy. The second being the increase of economic development that were used for health care, education, etc. These social goods continued to be given to the elites but more importantly they were provided to the Ecuadorian people as well. The third being an increase of social inclusion and democracy participation. The fourth being natural resource economic revenue being used to fund the states social welfare programs instead of being given to international corporations. The fifth and final being a shift away from the power of the United States and a move towards the nexus of power in Latin America and the Caribbean.
These elements have allowed there to be an increase in social spending and policies. This allowance provides the public free education, healthcare, food, cash and land titles for indigenous groups. This further gave the poor communities cash and electricity. This helped to decrease the 37% poverty rate to 27%. By limiting the United States control over Ecuador, it allowed the country to refrain from becoming a neoliberalism country. Before Correa, the U.S and Ecuador had a civil relationship. Apart from being trading partners and having diplomatic relationships, Ecuador allowed the U.S to have a military base. Once Correa became president, he did not resign the treaty allowing the United States to keep their Ecuadorian military base. Although Ecuador’s money was still “dollarized” and linked to the United States, the state claimed its debt responsibility. To continue to repay the county’s debt, Ecuador moved its debt and continued to send all exports to China. I enjoyed reading this chapter because it really showed how the country “rose from the ashes”. A man took a country, that was so dependent on everyone around them, was able to once again take control and help his people. A lot of times you don’t have a president live by his words and do everything in his power to help his people as well as protect the environment. Its sad to say that presidents in the united states are mostly focused on making money all the while destroying the very environment that we depend on. Although Correa used the natural resources provided by the environment, he still tried to protect it in the best way that he could. He created environmental initiatives while helping his people. I believe that there can be a balance between protecting the environment and helping the people of the country/ state and Correa proved that.