In Latin American political economy, which group of bureaucrats is known for applying technical criteria rather than political considerations?

• A. Politicians
• B. Oligarchs
• C. Technocrats
• D. Experts

Answer: (C)

Technocrats are bureaucrats who rely on technical criteria—data, models, and professional expertise—rather than political calculations to shape policy. In Latin American political economy, they often run economic ministries or planning agencies and push for efficiency, macroeconomic stability, and market-oriented reforms based on technical analysis. This contrasts with politicians, who balance public opinion and political incentives; oligarchs, who are powerful economic elites; and a vague “experts” label that doesn’t capture a distinct administrative group. So the best fit is technocrats, because they explicitly apply technical reasoning to policymaking rather than political considerations.