Authoritarianism and the struggle for democracy in Latin America

Catalog description

This subject explores the precarious balance between the ideal of democracy and histories of authoritarianism in Latin America. Using case studies from different historical contexts, the class examines continuities and ruptures in Latin American political history, and the cultural contexts in which populisms of the left or right, and authoritarian regimes, emerge or recede. This subject encourages students to consider political theory in relation to historical and cultural specificity. Key questions addressed include; what political cultures are associated with democratic, authoritarian and populist forms of rule? What role do struggles over memories of authoritarian pasts play in contemporary democracies? How do democracies evolve into dictatorships, and dictatorships into democracies?Previous study of international relations is helpful, but not required. 001655