Rafael Correa’s Failed Vision of Development Prosperity

Abstract

In 2007, a new progressive government led by Rafael Correa was elected to power in Ecuador. The presidency of Correa had constituted debates coming from social movement groups arguing against the extraction of natural resources. The exploitation of natural resources in the Amazon region became a large component in Correa’s administration (Riofrancos, 2020, p. 5). The idea to extract resources such as oil was viewed as a way to eradicate poverty and inequality. Correa justified resource extractions as means to generate state revenues for economic prosperity (Becker 2013, p. 54). The intensive form of extraction of resources was framed as the extractive development model. On the other hand, social movement groups, specifically Indigenous movement groups have argued against the extractive development model. The resistance against extractivism is generated from years of protest against neoliberal practices promoting the exploitation of natural resources (Riofrancos, 2020, p. 5). The fundamental purpose of this research is to examine how Correa’s extractive development model failed to generate development for Ecuador. Additionally, the research identifies conflicts over land rights and the contradiction of the Constitution violating the rights of Indigenous territories. Through an analytical examination of scholarly articles, this research demonstrates that resource extraction has resulted in environmental consequences. The research argues that the extractive model creates an unsustainable economy, generates ecological damages, and results in the displacements of Indigenous communities.