The Will of the People: Populism and Citizen Participation in Latin America

Populist leaders in Latin America often claim to speak for the people, but they rarely allow independent citizen participation through institutions. The book explores why populism is prevalent in the region, how leaders come to power, and the relationship between populism and fascism. It also examines the extent to which governments have given voice to the people through participatory democracy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 173 pages
Publication date: 06 June 2022
Publisher: De Gruyter

The Will of the People: Populism and Citizen Participation in Latin America delves into a compelling argument that while populist leaders often assert to represent the voice of the people, they seldom facilitate genuine avenues for the people to express their opinions independently through established institutions of citizen participation. This argument finds its foundation in theoretical discussions and empirical analyses of trends and specific cases.

The volume addresses a range of thought-provoking questions, including:

Why is populism particularly prevalent in the Latin American region? How and through what mechanisms do populist leaders gain power? Is there a valid connection between populism and fascism, as some critics argue, particularly in the context of Argentinian Peronism? Do populist leaders prioritize the introduction of direct citizen participation mechanisms? Can the erosion of the political party system be attributed to the emergence of populism, as seen in the case of Fujimorism in Peru? To what extent have the governments of Hugo Chávez, Evo Morales, and Rafael Correa effectively given voice to the people through the concept of participatory democracy?

Through comprehensive examinations and insightful analyses, The Will of the People: Populism and Citizen Participation in Latin America offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics of populism, citizen participation, and political dynamics in the region. This book is a must-read for scholars, researchers, and policymakers interested in understanding the evolving landscape of politics and governance in Latin America.

Weight: 434g
Dimension: 163 x 242 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783110737349