![]() | Latin America at the End of Politics Subjects: Latin America -- Politics and government -- 1980–; Latin America -- Economic conditions -- 1982–; Latin America -- Social conditions -- 1982–; After decades of ideological struggle, much of it in the service of an elusive socialist ideal, Latin America has embraced liberalism--democracy and unfettered markets. But liberalism has triumphed more by default than through exuberance. The region's democracies are fragile and lethargic. Despite pronounced social inequality, widespread poverty, and other difficulties, the populace is not engaged in deep discussions about state and society. The end of ideological contests has dampened political conflict, but likewise lessened the sense of urgency for solving trenchant problems. Political fatigue and devotion to acquisition have smothered egalitarianism as even an ideal. There is an uneasy social indifference. Forrest D. Colburn is the author of, among other works, The Vogue of Revolution in Poor Countries (Princeton). |
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