The Promise of Living Well: Buen Vivir as a Global Alternative to Neoliberal Development and Extractive Capitalism

Human practices have driven the planet towards catastrophe.  The dangers facing the entire planet have spurred the need for alternatives to the current systems of development.  Among the search for global alternatives is the concept of buen vivir.  Originally an indigenous tradition unique to Latin America, buen vivir is based on harmony between humans and nature.  My senior thesis traced and examined the viability of buen vivir as an alternative to the systems of development prominent today.  Firstly, this senior thesis follows the origins of buen vivir from its roots as an indigenous tradition to a vital aspect of protest movements and current policy within Latin America.  Through two case studies of buen vivir's adoption into law in both Ecuador in 2008 and Bolivia in 2009, I analyze the implementation of buen vivir, its successes, and the challenges it faced.  Finally, there is the development of buen vivir beyond the borders of Latin America.  Through both international conferences such as the United Nations World People's Conference on Climate Change and the Rights of Mother Earth, and laws adopted in countries such as United States, the promise of buen vivir as a global alternative can be showcased.  Through the search for alternatives to development, traditionally marginalized voices have gained prominence.  The growth of the guiding principles of buen vivir, both within Latin America and internationally, has become an important factor in the search for alternatives to the systems that have led to the problems facing all life on Earth.