The Latin American Left in the 2000s:Have We Seen This Before? (Open Access)

• Though the left wave in the 2000s appears to be a new phenomenon inLatin America, there are parallels with the past. First, it is still accurate todivide it between one more radical and one social-democratic left. Second, itis furthermore still divided into two paths, which were somewhat establishedunder different circumstances and reasons in Central America, the Andesand in the Southern Cone. Third, the division between the moderate andradical left has clearly been witnessed before. In previous (Costa Rica 1949-,Venezuela 1958-) as well as contemporary cases (Argentina, Chile, Uruguay)social-democratic parties have always promoted liberal democracy and theeconomic order of today, but have never challenged the elite actors' positionin society or the democratic stability. In addition, the contemporary radicalcases (Venezuela, Bolivia and Ecuador) have similarities to old cases(Guatemala 1944-1954, Chile 1970-1973) in the attempt to challenge liberaldemocracy and accomplishing drastic socio-economic reforms, but while theold cases ended in military coups the radical left is still in power in thecontemporary cases. Ultimately, the left in government is not a newphenomenon, and today it has two paths, but the scope of its influences, inthe radical cases, will probably have deeper consequences for society anddemocracy than ever.

Ämnesord

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Statsvetenskap -- Globaliseringsstudier (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Political Science -- Globalisation Studies (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Left Latin America Democracy

Political Science

Statsvetenskap

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