Complete List of Terms and Definitions for Latin American Politics

Terms Definitions
Chile Santiago
Honduras Tegucigalpa
Ecuador Quito
Venezuela Caracas
Brazil Brasília
Argentina Buenos Aires
El Salvador San Salvador
Pachakutik Ecuador's indigenous political party
Atacama Driest desert in the world
165-480 million population increase in LA from 1950-1995
Characteristics of Liberals (2) 1Favored Free Trade2Positivist:Thought law could be used as a tool for social engineering
Democracy The word democracy originates from the Greek, demos - people, and kratia - governance by. The literal definition of democracy is "rule by the people," however the application of this term is contested. it is a contested concept.There are, however, five main tenets of democracy that most scholars agree on:1. honest, competitive elections2. universal or nearly universal suffrage3. widespread political participation4. a free and open mass media.5. lastly, government respect for human rights, especially minority rights -- though some consider this to be a condition for liberal democracy, rather than simply democracy.Democratization is becoming increasingly popular in Latin America, and as such it is a crucial time to analyze the causes and conditions that favor democracy, as well as what democracy on the ground means for Latin Americans in their political, social, and economic life. Divisions between populism and the reformist left, as well as in countries' institutions continue to lead social scientists to question what is the correct path for Latin American countries to take in the consolidation of political democracies.
Torturer Dilemma The torturer dilemma can be characterized as society's options for dealing with the perpetrators of grave human rights violations. For Latin American countries, these human rights violations largely occurred during the military dictatorships, and its perpetrators were largely military officers. The options facing many Latin American countries regarding how to cope with the torturers in their society's can largely be broken down into two categories: prosecute and punish, or forgive and forget. The rationale for choosing to prosecute and punish is largely in support of truth, justice, and moral obligations to the victims and family. Also, the military cannot be seen to be above the law, as well as deterrence of future violations, and the establishment of viability within a democratic system. The rationale for the forgive and forget strategy is that democracy should be rooted in reconciliation, the process of democratization has often involved an understanding of lack of retribution, crimes may have been justified at the time and were supported by the public, also, many share in the guilt, where do we draw the line in the military. Lastly, the pragmatic argument is that the consolidation of democracy should take precedence over punishment of individuals.
Clientelism Clientelism can be defined as "an asymmetrical power relationship in which an individual who possesses power (a patron) offers specific benefits to individuals who lack power (clients) in return for their political support."Clientelism can take three forms:-Social obligation-Vote buying-Broker Clientelism
1) Stabilization- devaluation (lower exchange rates); 2) Budget cuts; and 3) Tightening of credit- raises interest rates Neo-liberal reforms (general, 3)
3 important failed presidencies 1. Aristide (Haiti)2. Fujimori (Peru)3. Balaguer (Dominican Republic)
Neopopulism Populism is again on the rise with leaders like Hugo Chavez (who epitimizes the five characteristics of populism) and Raphael Correa, and the degree to which populists strengthen or undermine democracy is becoming an increasingly significant debate among Latin American scholars to date. Whereas, neopopulists during the 1990s such as Argentina's Menem, or Peru's Fuijimori, have supported neoliberal economical policies such as fiscal austerity, privitization, and trade liberalization.There are five key characteristics of both Classical and Neopopulists. 1. A highly personalistic leadership, rooted in a highly charismatic leader.2. A multi-class political coalition heavily dependent upon the lower classes.3. Political strategy that favors direct, unmediated ties to the masses, as opposed to strong political parties.4. Utilized anti-elitest discourse.5. A general distrust of institutional checks and balances.The key distinction between classical populism and neopopulism is based on economic policies. Leaders like Brazil's Vargas (1930-45) and Argentina's Peron (1943-55) supported Statist policies of state creation of industries, protectionist policies, and import-subsidized industrialization. Contrast the Reformist Left to Populism.
Professional Environmental Foundations (apolitical), Private Voluntary Organizations, Grassroots Environmental Groups Three types of Domestic Environmental Organizations
ecclesial based communities • Local groups in poor areas that would combine religious activities with service to their communities, neighborhood projects
Hugo Chavez In 1992, Chavez carried out a failed coup attempt of President Perez in his second term in office. Although Chavez failed, he became a political celebrity in Venezuela as a representative of a leader who took full responsibility of his actions, and left a charismatic stamp of hope on the government by stating in his conciliatory speech "we have failed, for now." In 1994, he was pardoned by president Caldera, and in 1998 was elected president of Venezuela. He continues as president to this day, and is the epitomy of a populist leader. He is charismatic, depends on a multiclass coalition especially dependent on the lower classes, has a deep distrust of institutional checks and balances, as well as utilizes anti-elitest political discourse, and prefers direct, unmediated ties to the mass, rather than using highly structured political parties. Though Chavez has instituted reforms for Venezuela, such as nationalizing the oil industry, and has remained relatively popular among the lower classes in Venezuela, many have charged Chavez with undermining democracy through his lack of respect for free and open media outlets, and his repression of civil society and suspected political opponents (both in the court system as well as in the organized labor movement).
Guatemala , Brazil, Chile, Haiti, El Salvador, Nicaragua where protestantism is strongest
What is the common reason for ousting a president? The economic situation.
Reformist Left The Reformist Left can be seen as a stark contrast to Populism. Four contradictory characteristics, and one complementary char, can be seen to characterize the Reformist Left:1. Not personalistic, or dependent on a highly charismatic leader.2. (complimentary) A multi-class political coalition, especially dependent upon the lower classes.3. Works through highly organized political parties.4. Seeks consensus, and thereby rejects anti-elistest political discourse.5. Accepts institutional checks and balances.The Reformist Left is known for adhering to neoliberal economic policies, especially in fiscal prudence, and keeping a competitive exchange rate.The reformist left is particularly significant in Latin America as presenting another option to Latin American countries in the face of populism. Examples of the Reformist Left in Latin America are:Lula in BraziLagos/Bachelet in ChileVasquez in Uruguay
- 1) Privatization- increased privilege provisions; 2) Introduction of market incentives- used to foster competition; 3) Decentralization- responsibilities were delegated to the lowest government body possible; 4) Targeting- ideas that focus policies on social policy reforms following the debt crisis (4)
Tell me about the two models of revolution that Latin America had to choose from. Why did one gain influence over the other? oAmerican Revolution•Led to DemocracyoFrench Revolution•Led to Dictatorship•BC the state was stronger•Very ideologicaloLatin Americans liked it more.oBoliviar was studying in Europe when it broke out. So it influenced him heavily.
Describe the economic legacy Spain gave to Latin America. 1 Despising commercial and industrial activities.2 Inherited an older approach to financial management
The 26th of July Movement The 26th of July Movement's name originated from the failed attack on the Moncada Barracks, an army facility in the city of Santiago de Cuba, on July 26, 1953. The movement was reorganized in Mexico in 1955 by a group of 82 exiled revolutionaries (including Fidel Castro, his brother Raúl Castro, Camilo Cienfuegos, and the Argentinian Ernesto "Che" Guevara). In 1956, 82 men landed in Cuba, having sailed in the boat Granma from Mexico to Cuba, ready to organize and lead a revolution. Ultimately their revolution was successful, and its ramifications were heard across not only Latin America, but the world. Cuba became an example for ambitious political leaders, leaders of unions and movements, as well as idealist youths looking for rapid changes within their unjust societies. The 26th of July Movement succeeded in its guerrilla warfare and made the Cuban case a model for attempted revolution in Latin America countries, and one that would dictate US foreign policy in the region throughout the Cold War as anti-revolution, anti-communist, and anti-Cuba.
astute leadership, identification with national culture, moral authority and influence, and healthcare, education, and cultural institutions 4 strengths of the Catholic Church in LA
What are the 4 regions of Latin America? MexicoCentral AmericaSouth America The Caribbean
Describe the economic malfunction in Latin America. (2) 1What malfunction in Latin America is not the market or competition, but their absence.2This yields to corruption of businessmen and politicians.
Tell me about Caudillos. (4) 1 A Caudillo is someone who incarnates a program and vision.2 A Caudillo has a personal leadership which transcends partisan lines that establish order.3 A Caudillo possesses Auctoritas; his power derives from his own persona. it is not based i nan institution.4 A Caudillo is related to the Latin American value of friendship and loyalty.
In short, what is the main problem with Presidentialsim in Latin America. THE COMPLETION OF PRESIDENTIAL TERMS; people are not waiting for terms to end.
Tell me about Christian Democratic Parties (2) o Were reactions to the success of populismo.o They wanted a closer relationship between the state and church.
What is the 2nd main note worthy points about failed presidencies? (3) 2. Latin American presidents "reign" not "rule"A. Presidents struggle to generate legislative supportB. Opposition forces are a great threat to presidents C. Presidents are tempted to attack congress and bypass it with decrees
Tell me about Charles the 5th. Charles the 5th was the grandson of the Catholic kings and the Hasburgs. He is the closest the world has ever been to being controlled under one ruler.Latin America is his child.
What was the major difference between English and Spanish Colonialism? o The English in America encountered hunter gatherer tribeso The Spanish encountered a huge civilization
What is the 1st main note worthy points about failed presidencies? (4) 1. Pressure from protest movements.A. the head of government is seen, in Latin America, as the source of all power and final bearer of all responsibilityB. Problem: Unchecked demonstrations may rage beyond bounds, but force against them can backfireC.Failures of government are seen as failure of the Chief Executive, not the party or movementD. Many issues may become not a matter of redress or addressing the grievances, but deciding whether the president should leave office - government crisis can mount into full-blown constitutional crisis
Why was Spain fit to resurrect the Holy Roman Empire? 1. Spain had a warrior classwhich was created by the Reconquista which lasted 700 years.2. Spain had strong values that had been tried and test in numerous wars.
Eleven Million. What does this number refer to? It refers to how many Africans were subjugated and sent across the Atlantic to endure the horrors of slavery.
Tell me about the famous debate and its significance to Latin America. 1-The Debate between Las Casas and Sepulveda2 They debated whether the Indians were animals or humans with rights.Charles the 5th determined they were human and as such granted them all rights his citizens had.3 This helps explain the racial integration of Latin America.
Tell me about the military in Latin America. (2) 1o The military often runs the Airports and Seaports where corruption helps gives them an additional source of funding.2 They often felt justified in taking over because after they committed war crimes fighting the guerillas they felt it was the only way of avoiding persecution.
Why do Lat Americans adopt a viewpoint of conquered people. Their culture is affected by the way the Spaniards exploited native labor and immediately began subjugating the natives to their customs.
Tell me a about the Mexico's PRI (3) 1 An example of the Latin American Democratic Left created by the populismo ideology.2 Their idea was that the Party, not the army would be creator of a republic by uniting people of different social classes.3 Was the party hegemon in Mexico's Partidocracia.