New methodological approaches for the analysis of public policies in Paraguay. Knowledge, decolonization and transformation as structuring axes

• Luis Bastidas

  Universidad de Nariño, Colombia

Paraguay is among the group of Latin American countries with the highest rates of economic growth in recent years. However, it presents some socioeconomic characteristics similar to other countries in the region, insofar as they are dependent on the same global economic system, with important asymmetries and territorial inequalities. These asymmetries must be addressed by public action, to reorient and harmonize with the substantial needs of its inhabitants, seeking to reestablish rights made invisible by globalization. Within this framework, the regionalization promoted by MERCOSUR is presented to Paraguay as a window of opportunity, for the construction of novel theories and practices, aimed at overcoming public problems from an alternative perspective. Paraguay, as a MERCOSUR member country, can make the most of its important economic growth and transform it into improvements in social development. But to achieve this, the structuring of an alternative and decolonizing vision of public action is required, which contributes to overcoming Eurocentrism and other exogenous conceptions that, at present, have a considerable influence on the search for alternatives to overcome social asymmetries. This article emphasizes the importance of making visible the endogenous knowledge about the processes of scheduling, formulation and evaluation of public policies, providing contributions to provide a policy analysis approach that is closer to the needs and community satisfaction.

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