3.3 Military Dictatorships and Bureaucratic Authoritarianism

Military dictatorships swept Latin America in the mid-20th century, fueled by Cold War tensions and economic instability. These regimes, often backed by the US, seized power to combat perceived communist threats and restore order.

Bureaucratic authoritarianism emerged as a distinct form of military rule. It prioritized economic growth over democratic freedoms, leading to human rights abuses and increased inequality. This period shaped Latin America's political landscape for decades to come.

Rise of Military Dictatorships in Latin America

Emergence and Justification of Military Dictatorships

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• Military dictatorships emerged in many Latin American countries (Brazil 1964-1985, Argentina 1976-1983, Chile 1973-1990, Uruguay 1973-1985)
• The rise of military dictatorships was frequently justified by the perceived threat of communism and leftist movements in the context of the Cold War
  • The Cuban Revolution (1959) and the fear of its spread greatly influenced the political climate in Latin America
  • The United States actively supported military coups and dictatorships as part of its anti-communist foreign policy in the region (Operation Condor)

Factors Contributing to the Seizure of Power by the Military

• Economic instability, social unrest, and political polarization contributed to the breakdown of democratic institutions and the seizure of power by the military
  • High inflation, income inequality, and poverty fueled social discontent and political radicalization
  • Polarization between leftist groups and conservative elites intensified conflicts and undermined democratic governance
• Military dictatorships often suspended constitutional rights, dissolved congress, banned political parties, and censored the media to consolidate their power
• The military justified its intervention in politics as necessary to restore order, promote economic development, and combat subversion
  • Military leaders portrayed themselves as the guardians of national security and stability
  • The military argued that civilian governments were ineffective in addressing the challenges faced by their countries

Characteristics of Bureaucratic Authoritarianism

Key Features of Bureaucratic Authoritarian Regimes

• Bureaucratic authoritarianism is a concept developed by political scientist Guillermo O'Donnell to describe the type of military rule that emerged in Latin America during the 1960s and 1970s
• Key characteristics of bureaucratic authoritarianism include:
  • The military as the dominant political actor, often in alliance with technocratic civilians and foreign capital
  • The exclusion of the popular sector (working class and lower-middle class) from political participation
  • The promotion of industrialization and economic modernization through state intervention and foreign investment (import-substitution industrialization)
  • The use of repressive measures to control opposition and maintain social order

Consequences and Priorities of Bureaucratic Authoritarianism

• Bureaucratic authoritarian regimes prioritized economic growth and stability over democratic freedoms and social welfare
  • Emphasis on attracting foreign investment and promoting export-oriented industries
  • Implementation of neoliberal economic policies (privatization, deregulation, trade liberalization)
• The consequences of bureaucratic authoritarianism included:
  • The concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a small elite, leading to increased social inequality
  • The suppression of civil society, labor unions, and political opposition, limiting the space for democratic participation
  • Human rights abuses, including torture, disappearances, and extrajudicial killings, as part of the state's repressive apparatus

Human Rights Abuses under Military Rule

Repressive Tactics and Violations of Human Rights

• Military dictatorships in Latin America were characterized by widespread human rights violations and the systematic repression of political opponents
• State security forces, including the military and police, were responsible for arbitrary arrests, torture, disappearances, and extrajudicial killings of suspected dissidents
  • The use of torture was widespread, with techniques such as electric shocks, waterboarding, and sexual abuse being employed to extract information and instill fear
  • Forced disappearances, where individuals were abducted by security forces and never seen again, became a hallmark of military dictatorships (Dirty War in Argentina)

Targets of Repression and Legacy of Human Rights Abuses

• Military regimes often targeted leftist activists, trade unionists, students, intellectuals, and anyone perceived as a threat to the established order
• The repressive policies of military dictatorships aimed to eliminate opposition, instill fear in the population, and maintain the regime's grip on power
• The legacy of human rights abuses committed during military dictatorships continues to shape the political and social landscape of Latin American countries
  • Ongoing struggles for truth, justice, and memory (Truth and Reconciliation Commissions)
  • Efforts to prosecute perpetrators and provide reparations to victims and their families

Decline of Military Rule in Latin America

Economic Factors in the Erosion of Military Regimes

• The decline of military rule in Latin America was a gradual process that varied across countries, with some dictatorships lasting into the 1980s and 1990s
• Economic factors played a significant role in the erosion of military regimes:
  • The debt crisis of the 1980s, triggered by the rise in global interest rates and the fall in commodity prices, exposed the limitations of the economic models pursued by military governments
  • The failure of military regimes to deliver sustained economic growth and the increasing social costs of austerity measures undermined their legitimacy

Domestic and International Pressure for Democratization

• The human rights abuses committed by military dictatorships generated domestic and international condemnation, eroding their support and legitimacy
  • The emergence of human rights organizations (Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo in Argentina) drew attention to the atrocities committed by military regimes
  • The United States, under President Jimmy Carter, shifted its foreign policy to place greater emphasis on human rights, reducing its support for military dictatorships
• The mobilization of civil society, including trade unions, student movements, and political parties, challenged the authority of military regimes and demanded a return to democracy
• The process of democratization in Latin America was influenced by a combination of internal and external pressures
  • Negotiations between the military and civilian opposition
  • International support for democratic transitions
  • The exhaustion of the military's political project