Chapter 1: Introduction

On November 26, 2015, a group of scholars assembled in Santiago, Chile for the 5th ESHET Latin American Conference decided to create the Latin American Society for the History of Economic Thought (ALAHPE). The document of intentions signed on that day committed the new society to promote: (1) the teaching, research, and diffusion of the history of economics in Latin America, with due attention to the different linguistic and cultural traditions in the region; (2) cooperation with other national and international associations similarly dedicated to the history of economics; and (3) communications and exchange among scholars interested in the field, through conferences, seminars, and summer schools. The document was signed by 37 participants who were present in Santiago and received the support of a further 65 people who manifested themselves in favor of the creation of ALAHPE prior to the Santiago meeting. The signatories to the founding charter came from 10 different Latin American countries, joined by others from Europe and North America.