Biodiverse power and the power of biodiversity: an analysis of a South American strategic asset
Technology is a basic element in strategy and geopolitics. In Susan Strange´s theory of structural power, technology is a great source of strength of leading powers. Moreover, in John Mearsheimer´s theory of latent power, technology has a pivotal role in defining the power relations among states. In this context, biotechnology plays a decisive contribution, not only provoking changes in energy, agriculture and health sectors; it also creates rising expectations and induce power shifts in the Global Political Economy (Christopher Chase-Dunn). We hypothesize that biotechnology highlights the geopolitical importance of countries and regions rich in biodiversity. Hence, South America can be analyzed in this sense, mainly when it is known that this continent owns the largest stocks of biogenetic resources in the world. Only the Amazon Forest, which encompasses nine countries (Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana [France]), has 20% of the fresh water and 20% of all animal and plant species in the world, in which only 1\3 was identified (Bertha Becker). The overriding aim of this research is to investigate how biotechnology can potentially shape power relations both in South America and worldwide. Thus, presenting a theoretical and methodological approach based on quantitative an qualitative sources, as well as national law and international agreements, we propose: i) to analyze national projects (such as the Amazon Biotechnology Center, in Brazil) and regional projects (as Cosucti, in UNASUR, and the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization - ACTO), ii) to investigate the role of external powers, according to the use of natural resources or production of (joint) technology and iii) to identify development strategies based on biotechnology.