Geopolitics Congress in Santo Domingo examines impact of global conflicts on the region

Santo Domingo.- Former President Leonel Fernández warned that ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East are reshaping Latin American economies by disrupting global supplies of oil, gas, aluminum, and grains. Speaking at the closing of the 1st International Geopolitics Congress Dominican Republic 2026, Fernández said the effects have been uneven: fuel-exporting nations such as Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico have benefited, while importing countries like the Dominican Republic, Chile, and Peru have faced higher energy costs, inflation, and slower growth.

Fernández noted that central banks across the region have responded to inflation by raising interest rates and emphasized the importance of maintaining institutional autonomy. He concluded by advocating for a 21st-century world order that is peaceful, inclusive, equitable, and environmentally sustainable.

The congress also featured geopolitical analyst Pedro Baños, who underscored the link between economic strength and global power, as well as other experts including Ana Esther Ceceña, Alfredo Jalife, and Iván Gatón. Minister of the Presidency José Ignacio Paliza highlighted energy security as a decisive factor for competitiveness. Organized by the Dominican Center for Strategic Thought (CEPED), the event brought together political leaders, academics, diplomats, and business representatives to examine the evolving global order and its implications for the region.