A little Democracy down South
Of all the continents in the world, South America tasted the benefits of democratic rule last. After the ancient Inca culture, for a long time till the 19th century almost all of the South American countries had been under the rule of European powerhouses. Spain and Portugal were the major invaders of that era. The result: many Portuguese-sounding names in countries such as Uruguay and some of the world’s finest modern fiction in Spanish language, for example, those written by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Spain and Portugal left the continent by the first three decades of the nineteenth century.
It was in 1823 that then US president James Monroe proclaimed a trendsetting declaration for later US presidents: the Monroe Doctrine warned European countries not to interfere with the affairs of Southern Hemisphere. But that does not set the stage for birth of democracy in Latin America. Instead, these countries were immediately come under local dictatorship.
For a major part of the first half of 20th century, most of these countries were under military or political dictatorship. Corruption at higher levels was rampant; the growth of almost every country was stalled, mafia leaders flourished, and some countries like Columbia became world’s capital of drugs trade. The only signs of civilization emanated from the lovely passing game of football that almost all South American countries, especially Brazil and Argentina, displayed and from the poetry and novels of the region’s writers like Pablo Neruda. Also, there was, and still is, the splendid natural beauty of the Andes Mountain ranges and Amazon rain forests.
There are twelve South American countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Columbia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Surinam, Uruguay, and Venezuela. In terms of stableness of democracy in Latin America, these countries can be divided into two: stable countries and unstable countries. Stable countries include Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, and Uruguay. On the other hand, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, and Venezuela are considered by western critics as politically unstable countries. But this is a claim that will be vigorously opposed in many parts of the globe, particularly from the supporters of the self-styled president of Venezuela, Hugo Chavez.
Unlike the other South American countries, Venezuela does not need financial support from USA or any other country, because of its large oil reserves. Chavez came to power through a coup, but later became an “elected” president. Because of his fearless and often pungent criticism of the USA, he has become a global cheerleader of anti-Americanism. So, in a way, it can be stated that almost all the South American countries are enjoying the benefits of democratic rule.
One of the greatest socialist revolutionaries in the history, Che Guerra was born in Argentina. Despite his active work in the various Latin American counties, socialist and communist parties had tasted little success through democratic process at the earlier phase. But things are changing as left-leaning governments are currently in power in influential South American countries such as Brazil, Argentina, and Bolivia. One can safely say that democracy in Latin America is flourishing.
It was in 1823 that then US president James Monroe proclaimed a trendsetting declaration for later US presidents: the Monroe Doctrine warned European countries not to interfere with the affairs of Southern Hemisphere. But that does not set the stage for birth of democracy in Latin America. Instead, these countries were immediately come under local dictatorship.
Political Dictatorship
For a major part of the first half of 20th century, most of these countries were under military or political dictatorship. Corruption at higher levels was rampant; the growth of almost every country was stalled, mafia leaders flourished, and some countries like Columbia became world’s capital of drugs trade. The only signs of civilization emanated from the lovely passing game of football that almost all South American countries, especially Brazil and Argentina, displayed and from the poetry and novels of the region’s writers like Pablo Neruda. Also, there was, and still is, the splendid natural beauty of the Andes Mountain ranges and Amazon rain forests.
Stable Countries and Unstable Countries
There are twelve South American countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Columbia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Surinam, Uruguay, and Venezuela. In terms of stableness of democracy in Latin America, these countries can be divided into two: stable countries and unstable countries. Stable countries include Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, and Uruguay. On the other hand, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, and Venezuela are considered by western critics as politically unstable countries. But this is a claim that will be vigorously opposed in many parts of the globe, particularly from the supporters of the self-styled president of Venezuela, Hugo Chavez.
Hugo Chavez, a Global Cheerleader of Anti-Americanism
Unlike the other South American countries, Venezuela does not need financial support from USA or any other country, because of its large oil reserves. Chavez came to power through a coup, but later became an “elected” president. Because of his fearless and often pungent criticism of the USA, he has become a global cheerleader of anti-Americanism. So, in a way, it can be stated that almost all the South American countries are enjoying the benefits of democratic rule.
Che Guerra, One of the Greatest Socialist Revolutionaries
One of the greatest socialist revolutionaries in the history, Che Guerra was born in Argentina. Despite his active work in the various Latin American counties, socialist and communist parties had tasted little success through democratic process at the earlier phase. But things are changing as left-leaning governments are currently in power in influential South American countries such as Brazil, Argentina, and Bolivia. One can safely say that democracy in Latin America is flourishing.
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My random photos from Latin America
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