Latin American Politics Essay Research Paper Present

Latin American Politics Essay, Research Paper

Present Political Problems of Three Latin American Countries:

Colombia, Venezuela and Ecuador

Latin American countries have experienced different trajectories, which have made their political transitions very unique, and have also influenced and contributed to the present political problems of each particular country. As a result of these problems, most of Latin American countries’ political and social stability are now in great disorder. Three interesting cases worth exploring are the ones of Colombia, Venezuela and Ecuador. These countries have all been victims of authoritarianism, caudillsm, weak party systems, constitutional problems, corruption, and other factors that together derive their current political situations. Therefore, in order to comprehend their present political conditions and their effect on society we need to analyze the different trends of their transitions to democracy and how these have influenced their current political situations.

First, lets consider the Colombian case. It is important to recall that Colombia was able to achieve its transition to a final democracy after surpassing one of the most dramatic periods of its history, which was very notorious for its violent era popularly known as “La Violencia.” After being governed by civilians for many years, Rojas Pinilla overthrew the government in the 1950’s and lead Colombian politics with an autocratic regime until 1957, when Liberals and Conservatives signed an agreement make a coalition government (Frente Nacional) and overthrow Pinilla from power. Ever since, the two democratic parties had shared governmental power until 1974 when Colombian first presidential elections took place. In other words, Colombian real transition to democracy was initiated in 1957; however, its democracy was not established until 1974. However, it is very significant to acknowledge that the democratic rule in Colombia has been difficult to sustain because of the influence of violence and corruption from the Guerrilla movement, Paramilitary groups, and drug trafficking lords.

In addition, Colombia’s political system has been different from other Latin American countries in the sense that it has a long history of partidist politics, usually fair and regular elections, and the respect for political and civil rights. Colombia has had two traditional predominant parties–the Liberals and the Conservatives-that have competed for power since the mid-nineteenth century and have rotated frequently as the governing party. Moreover, Colombia’s conservative Roman Catholic Church traditionally has been more influential than the military not only in electing presidents and influencing elections, but also in the political socialization of its population.

Additionally, the Colombian military has become somewhat more assertive in national security decision-making as a result of the growing and more unified Guerrilla insurgency and the increasing terrorism from drug traffickers. However, Colombia has had a long tradition of military subordination to civilian authority. On many occasions during the 1970’s and 1980’s military leaders attempted to challenge civilian authority and failed as the incumbent president dismissed them.

At the same time, a contradictory feature of Colombia’s long democratic tradition has been its high level of political violence that started on the 1940’s and its has continued until today. This violence includes left-wing insurgency and terrorism, right-wing paramilitary activity, and narcoterrorism. Consequently, Colombia currently leaves under a constitutionally authorized state of siege invoked to deal with civil disturbances, insurgency, and terrorism. For instance, as a result of the violence in Colombia, during the mid-1980’s there was this political atmosphere in which the government was losing control over the country’s rampaging violence. It was perceived that even if the Guerrillas laid down their arms, violence by narcotics traffickers, death squads, and common criminals would continue to bring terror to the political and social arenas.

The nation’s violent legacy has been attributed in part to the elitist nature of the political system. The members of this traditional elite have competed bitterly, and sometimes violently, to achieve power and control of the government, through the two main parties; the Liberal Party and the Conservative Party, which became the Social Conservative Party in July 1987. Unlike their counterparts in other Latin American countries, Colombia’s Christian democratic, social democratic, and Marxist parties were always weak and insignificant.

In addition, Constitutional amendments and the evolution of Colombia’s political culture reinforced its highly centralized and elitist governmental system. The elite managed to retain control over the political system by designating representatives of the middle class, labor class, and the peasantry.

Furthermore, the Guerrilla insurgency has been only the most visible dimension of a far deeper problem confronting the Colombian political system: the progressive erosion of the regime’s legitimacy as a result of its failure to institutionalize mechanisms of political participation. Likewise, there is also the legitimacy problem reflected in rising levels of voter abstention, mass political apathy and cynicism, as well as