Until a few years ago, it was the consensus among academics and practitioners that democracy had finally solidified in Latin America and the Caribbean. Most political leaders and citizens alike seemed to have irrevocably embraced the idea that democracy was the only game in town. Today that promise appears to be crumbling in some countries in the region. Developments in Venezuela, Nicaragua, and other nations show that political leaders are openly and defiantly destroying democratic institutions, setting themselves up as perpetual rulers of their nations and threatening the overall prospects of democracy. Conversely, recent elections in Argentina and Peru—and their implications within Mercosur and the OAS—may indicate a reassertion of commitment to democracy and human rights in others.
Are we witnessing a regional wave of regression to authoritarian rule? What are the implications of the recent political events and shifts in Latin America? What should the role of the United States be, if any, in helping democracy in the region?
Join FIU’s Kimberly Green Latin American and Caribbean Center (LACC), AS/COA, and the National Endowment for Democracy for a discussion on these questions.
Speakers:
- Miriam Kornblith, Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, National Endowment for Democracy
- José Miguel Cruz, Director of Research, LACC, Florida International University
- Frank Mora, Director, LACC, Florida International University
- Eric Farnsworth, Vice President, Americas Society/Council of the Americas
For more information, contact FIU’s LACC at 305-348-2894 RSVP
