Populist Seduction in Latin America

Is Latin America experiencing a resurgence of left-wing governments, or are we seeing a rebirth of national radical populism? Are the governments of Hugo Chvez, Evo Morales, and Rafael Correa becoming institutionalized as these leaders claim novel models of participatory and direct democracy? Or are they reenacting older traditions that have favored plebiscitary acclamation and clientlist distribution of resources to loyal followers? Are we seeing authentic forms of expression of the popular will by leaders who have empowered those previously disenfranchised? Or are these governments as charismatic, authoritarian, and messianic as their populist predeccessors?

Carlos De La Torre is a professor of political studies at Flaco-Edcuador. He is coeditor with Steve Striffler of the Ecuador Reader