🌵Intro to Chicanx and Latinx Studies Unit 13 – Latin American Politics: Global Impact

Historical Context

• Latin American countries gained independence from European colonial powers (Spain, Portugal) in the early 19th century
• Post-independence period characterized by political instability, caudillismo (rule by strong military leaders), and frequent regime changes
• Legacy of colonialism left deep socioeconomic inequalities and a concentration of power among the elite
• U.S. interventionism in the region began in the late 19th century with the Spanish-American War and continued throughout the 20th century
  • Includes military interventions, support for dictatorships, and economic influence through policies like the Monroe Doctrine and the Roosevelt Corollary
• Cold War era saw the rise of left-wing movements and U.S.-backed right-wing dictatorships
  • Examples include the Cuban Revolution, the Nicaraguan Revolution, and the military dictatorships in Argentina, Brazil, and Chile
• Democratization process began in the 1980s and 1990s, with the end of military dictatorships and the emergence of new political actors

Key Political Movements

• Populism emerged as a significant political force in the early 20th century
  • Characterized by charismatic leaders, nationalist rhetoric, and policies aimed at redistributing wealth and power
  • Examples include Juan Perón in Argentina and Getúlio Vargas in Brazil
• Socialist and communist movements gained traction in the mid-20th century
  • Inspired by the Cuban Revolution and the ideas of Marxism-Leninism
  • Sought to address social inequalities and challenge U.S. influence in the region
• Liberation theology combined Catholic social teachings with Marxist ideas
  • Emphasized the preferential option for the poor and the need for social justice
  • Influenced progressive political movements and grassroots organizations
• Indigenous rights movements emerged in the late 20th century
  • Focused on issues of land rights, cultural preservation, and political representation
  • Examples include the Zapatista movement in Mexico and the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE)
• Pink Tide refers to the election of left-wing governments in the early 21st century
  • Emphasized social welfare policies, regional integration, and resistance to neoliberalism
  • Examples include Hugo Chávez in Venezuela, Evo Morales in Bolivia, and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Brazil

Major Leaders and Figures

• Simón Bolívar played a key role in the independence movements of several Latin American countries (Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia)
  • Envisioned a united Latin America and the creation of a confederation of states
• Fidel Castro led the Cuban Revolution and established a socialist state
  • Became a symbol of resistance to U.S. imperialism and inspired left-wing movements throughout the region
• Salvador Allende was democratically elected as the socialist president of Chile in 1970
  • Overthrown in a U.S.-backed military coup led by Augusto Pinochet in 1973
• Augusto Pinochet ruled Chile as a military dictator from 1973 to 1990
  • Implemented neoliberal economic policies and oversaw widespread human rights abuses
• Hugo Chávez served as the president of Venezuela from 1999 to 2013
  • Promoted a socialist agenda, nationalized key industries, and challenged U.S. influence in the region
• Evo Morales became the first indigenous president of Bolivia in 2006
  • Implemented policies aimed at reducing poverty, promoting indigenous rights, and nationalizing natural resources

Economic Influences

• Dependency theory emerged in the 1960s as a critique of the unequal economic relationship between Latin America and the developed world
  • Argued that the global economic system perpetuated underdevelopment and poverty in the region
• Import substitution industrialization (ISI) was a development strategy adopted by many Latin American countries in the mid-20th century
  • Aimed to reduce dependence on foreign imports by promoting domestic manufacturing
  • Led to the growth of national industries but also created economic inefficiencies and debt
• Neoliberalism became the dominant economic model in the 1980s and 1990s
  • Emphasized free markets, privatization, and reduced government intervention
  • Implemented through structural adjustment programs promoted by international financial institutions (World Bank, International Monetary Fund)
• Commodity boom in the early 21st century led to economic growth and reduced poverty in many Latin American countries
  • Driven by high prices for exports like oil, minerals, and agricultural products
  • Allowed for increased social spending and the expansion of the middle class
• Economic inequality remains a persistent challenge in the region
  • High levels of income and wealth concentration, with a large gap between the rich and the poor
  • Informal economy employs a significant portion of the workforce, leading to precarious working conditions and limited access to social protection

Social and Cultural Factors

• Mestizaje refers to the mixing of European, Indigenous, and African peoples and cultures
  • Resulted in the creation of new racial and cultural identities (mestizos, mulattos)
  • Continues to shape social hierarchies and power dynamics in the region
• Catholicism has been the dominant religion in Latin America since the colonial period
  • Played a significant role in shaping cultural values and social norms
  • Liberation theology challenged the traditional alliance between the Catholic Church and the ruling elite
• Indigenous cultures and languages have persisted despite centuries of marginalization and assimilation policies
  • Resurgence of indigenous identity and cultural revitalization movements in recent decades
  • Examples include the recognition of indigenous languages as official languages in some countries (Bolivia, Paraguay)
• Gender inequalities remain a significant challenge in the region
  • Women face discrimination, violence, and limited access to education and economic opportunities
  • Feminist movements have emerged to challenge patriarchal structures and promote women's rights
• Migration has been a key feature of Latin American societies
  • Includes both internal migration (rural to urban) and international migration (to the U.S., Europe, and within the region)
  • Remittances from migrants have become an important source of income for many families and communities

International Relations

• Organization of American States (OAS) was established in 1948 to promote regional cooperation and collective security
  • Includes all 35 independent states in the Americas
  • Has been criticized for its limited effectiveness and its perceived alignment with U.S. interests
• Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) was founded in 1961 by countries seeking to maintain neutrality in the Cold War
  • Several Latin American countries (Cuba, Venezuela, Bolivia) have been active members
  • Promotes South-South cooperation and challenges the dominance of the U.S. and other major powers
• Latin American integration initiatives have sought to promote regional cooperation and reduce dependence on external actors
  • Examples include the Andean Community, Mercosur, and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC)
  • Have faced challenges due to political and economic differences among member states
• China has become an increasingly important economic and political partner for Latin America in the 21st century
  • Provides an alternative to U.S. influence and offers investment and trade opportunities
  • Raises concerns about the environmental and social impacts of Chinese projects in the region
• U.S.-Latin American relations have been characterized by a history of intervention, support for dictatorships, and economic influence
  • Shift towards a more multilateral approach and emphasis on shared challenges (drug trafficking, migration, climate change) in recent years
  • Continued tensions over issues like the U.S. embargo on Cuba and the political crisis in Venezuela

Contemporary Issues

• Political polarization has intensified in many Latin American countries
  • Reflects deep divisions over issues like economic policy, social justice, and the role of the state
  • Has led to social unrest, protests, and the rise of populist movements on both the left and the right
• Corruption remains a major challenge for democratic governance in the region
  • Involves the abuse of public office for private gain and the influence of powerful economic interests in politics
  • Anti-corruption movements have emerged to demand greater transparency and accountability
• Drug trafficking and organized crime have had a destabilizing effect on many Latin American societies
  • Fueled violence, undermined the rule of law, and corrupted state institutions
  • U.S.-led "war on drugs" has had limited success and has been criticized for its human rights impacts
• Environmental degradation and climate change pose significant threats to the region's natural resources and communities
  • Deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and water scarcity are major concerns
  • Indigenous and rural communities are often the most vulnerable to the impacts of environmental change
• Migration continues to be a complex and politically sensitive issue in the region
  • Includes both intraregional migration and migration to the U.S. and Europe
  • Driven by factors like economic hardship, violence, and environmental degradation
  • Has led to tensions between sending and receiving countries and debates over border security and immigrant rights

Impact on Global Politics

• Latin America's strategic location and abundant natural resources make it a region of global significance
  • Major producer of commodities like oil, copper, and agricultural products
  • Potential to play a key role in addressing global challenges like climate change and food security
• Left-wing movements in Latin America have challenged the neoliberal economic model and U.S. hegemony
  • Promoted alternative forms of regional integration and South-South cooperation
  • Inspired similar movements in other parts of the developing world
• Latin American countries have been active participants in global governance institutions
  • Includes the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, and the G20
  • Have advocated for reforms to make these institutions more representative and responsive to the needs of developing countries
• Migration from Latin America has had a significant impact on the demographics and politics of the United States
  • Latino population is the largest ethnic minority group in the U.S.
  • Has influenced debates over immigration policy, bilingual education, and cultural identity
• Latin American culture has had a global influence through music, art, literature, and cuisine
  • Examples include salsa, tango, magical realism, and the popularity of Latin American food
  • Has contributed to the global cultural diversity and the creation of new cultural forms and expressions