Abstract
This paper is an attempt to emphasise the learnings from Latin America that are instructive for theory and practice on politics and democracy, including for political contexts beyond Latin America. Essentially, we argue that underlying these processes is an inequality of power between elites and masses, favouring the latter, and that this imbalance must be righted if democracy is to be reinvigorated. Adapting Michael Mann’s IEMP (ideology, economy, military and politics) structure we identify the key characteristics which can inhibit and can encourage democracy, both in Latin America and beyond. In this way, not only do we aim to provide a panoramic overview of Latin American power structures, but also provide essential learnings for mature democracies on how to restore essential democratic values. This serves equally as a comprehensive overview on Latin American society and politics, and a powerful polemic in favour of democracy.
Presenters
Christopher WyldeSenior Lecturer in Politics and International Relations, School of Law and Society, St Mary's University, Richmond upon Thames, United Kingdom
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Civic, Political, and Community Studies
KEYWORDS
LATIN AMERICA, AREA STUDIES, DEMOCRATISATION, POWER
