Educational Media Reviews Online

Noted Canadian journalist, David Halton’s short video Bolivia: On the Brink looks at the issue of globalization in Bolivia. The last two decades of free market reforms have left the majority of Bolivians outside of the country’s economic and social gains. The World Bank reports that Bolivia may be one of the most unequal countries in the most unequal regions of the world.

Like Intiaanikapina (Indian Revolt), also shot in 2004, the film is already out-of-date, but does include short interviews with former President Sánchez de Lozada (ousted during the October 2003 protests), then-current President Carlos Mesa, and current President Evo Morales, which will continue to be of interest.

While clearly sympathetic with the indigenous populations, Halton does not neglect to provide both sides of the story asking if globalization is “a curse or a salvation?” while positing that it is neither. The video ends with an interview with President Mesa who argues that Bolivia must meet globalization head-on, yet also make sure to do a better job sharing the country’s natural wealth with its people.

Production values were consistent with video for television broadcast. My copy had slight tracking issues, included breaks for commercials, and lacked a final credit sequence. Narration is in English.

Recommended for classes studying globalization, anti-globalization movements, the recent political empowerment of indigenous populations in Latin America, and Bolivian politics.