Dictatorships in Twenty-First-Century Latin America: Venezuela, Bolivia, Nicaragua, Ecuador, and El Salvador

Dictatorships in Twenty-First-Century Latin America explores how democratic governments have become autocratic through the manipulation of the constitutional order and the legislative and judicial functions. This is by civilian politicians who were voted into power, but once in office, they ignored the constitution and replaced it with one tailored to their political ambitions, using the broad powers assigned to them to remain in power indefinitely.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 308 pages
Publication date: 15 December 2022
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Dictatorships in Twenty-First-Century Latin America, penned by the esteemed former President of Ecuador, Osvaldo Hurtado, delves into a profound and concerning political phenomenon that has emerged in the first two decades of the twenty-first century: democratic governments elected by citizens have transitioned into autocratic regimes through the manipulation of the constitutional order and the abuse of legislative and judicial powers. Unlike traditional Latin American dictatorships, which were typically established by the military, the dictatorships of the twenty-first century have been orchestrated by civilian politicians who were voted into power by the people to govern their nations within the confines of the constitution and the law.

However, once these leaders assumed the presidency, they disregarded the constitution under which they were elected and replaced it with one tailored to their political ambitions, utilizing the broad powers bestowed upon them to maintain indefinite power. This alarming trend has been witnessed in Venezuela, Bolivia, Ecuador, Nicaragua, and El Salvador, where Presidents Hugo Chávez, Nicolás Maduro, Evo Morales, Rafael Correa, Daniel Ortega, and Nayib Bukele have all engaged in such actions.

Hurtado offers a compelling explanation for this paradoxical development occurring in Latin America, where, for the first time in the subcontinent's history, democratic institutions have prevailed in all countries, with the sole exception of Cuba. This book serves as a crucial exploration of the forces that have contributed to the erosion of democratic norms and the rise of authoritarianism in the region, offering valuable insights into the challenges and risks faced by Latin American societies in the twenty-first century.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538171080