15.1 Political instability and caudillismo

After independence, Latin America faced political instability and the rise of caudillismo. Strong, charismatic leaders called caudillos filled the power vacuum left by colonial collapse, often relying on military might and patronage to maintain control.

This period saw the emergence of authoritarianism, oligarchy, and populism. These systems concentrated power in the hands of a few, perpetuating inequality. Military coups, weak institutions, clientelism, and corruption further undermined democratic processes and stability in the region.

Political Systems and Leadership

Caudillismo and Authoritarianism

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• Caudillismo refers to a political system dominated by a strong, charismatic leader (caudillo) who often relies on military power and patronage networks to maintain control
• Caudillos frequently emerged in the post-independence period, filling the power vacuum left by the collapse of colonial institutions
• Examples of prominent caudillos include Juan Manuel de Rosas in Argentina and Antonio López de Santa Anna in Mexico
• Authoritarianism involves the concentration of power in the hands of a single leader or a small group, with limited political freedoms and opposition
• Authoritarian regimes often suppress dissent, censor media, and manipulate elections to maintain their grip on power
• The legacy of colonialism, with its centralized and hierarchical structures, contributed to the emergence of authoritarian tendencies in Latin America

Oligarchy and Populism

• Oligarchy refers to a form of government in which power is held by a small, elite group, often based on wealth, land ownership, or social status
• In post-colonial Latin America, oligarchies frequently consisted of wealthy landowners (hacendados) and influential families who dominated political and economic life
• Oligarchic rule often perpetuated inequality and limited social mobility, as the elite sought to protect their privileges and maintain the status quo
• Populism emerges as a political movement that appeals to the masses, often by promising social reforms, wealth redistribution, and challenging the power of the elite
• Populist leaders, such as Juan Perón in Argentina and Getúlio Vargas in Brazil, gained support by tapping into popular discontent and promoting nationalist and anti-imperialist sentiments
• While populist movements can bring attention to the needs of marginalized groups, they can also lead to personalistic rule and the erosion of democratic institutions

Instability and Upheaval

Military Coups and Weak Institutions

• Military coups, in which the armed forces seize power from civilian governments, have been a recurring feature of Latin American politics
• Coups are often justified by the military as necessary to restore order, fight corruption, or protect national interests, but they undermine democratic processes and civilian rule
• Examples of significant military coups include the overthrow of Jacobo Árbenz in Guatemala (1954) and Salvador Allende in Chile (1973)
• Weak institutions, including underdeveloped political parties, ineffective judiciaries, and limited checks and balances, contribute to the vulnerability of Latin American democracies
• The fragility of institutions allows for the concentration of power in the hands of individuals and increases the likelihood of political instability and authoritarianism

Clientelism and Corruption

• Clientelism refers to a political system based on patronage networks, in which political support is exchanged for favors, jobs, or resources
• In Latin America, clientelism often takes the form of politicians or parties distributing goods or services to supporters in exchange for votes or loyalty
• Clientelistic practices can undermine the development of programmatic political parties and perpetuate inequality, as access to resources becomes dependent on political connections
• Corruption, the abuse of public office for private gain, is a persistent challenge in many Latin American countries
• Examples of corruption include bribery, embezzlement, and the misappropriation of public funds
• The legacy of colonialism, with its extractive institutions and lack of accountability, has contributed to the persistence of corruption in the region
• Corruption weakens public trust in government, hinders economic development, and exacerbates social inequalities