La economía de la defensa: de la teoría a la realidad en América Latina

The development of the defense industry has for years been a longing of national governments that aspire decrease indicators of exogenous technological dependence in such a strategic sector. In this paper, a theoretical analysis is carried out in relation to the main foundations that drive the development of the defense economy of a State, based on a brief review of the current situation in Latin America and for the Ecuadorian case, the background from the political point of view and economic, that allow to develop this sector in the country. Applying theoretical research methods, an analysis of the main theoretical support was made; the general historical development in Latin America and specifically in Ecuador, with the objective of determining the main guidelines for the development of the defense industry in Ecuador. The differences between the defense expenditure of Latin America with respect to other regions of the world were recognized, as well as the low quality of the expenditure that implies that the major items are not dedicated precisely to research-development; similar situation in Ecuador, limiting the operationalization of the respective public policy.