1. The Prospects for Global Democracy Sylvia Espinoza, Ai Morimoto, Midori Araki, Xi Jia, Risa Takahashi International Studies 190 Professor Peter Smith April 19, 2012

2. Chapter 8: Latin America’s Uneasy Progress By: Sylvia Espinoza

3. Unlike the others… First member of Peru’s country majority of indigenous descent to be democratically chosen for president an “Indian against poverty” (171) Presidential term: successes vs. failures Lessons learned from his term as president Alejandro Toledo President of Peru from 2001 to 2006

4. Democratic Hopes in America Every military regime in Latin American region GONE Almost every region democratic somewhat free and fair elections multiparty electoral competition decrease of military influence on politics There has been progress! What qualifies these governments as democratic?

5. What effects on politics and society are being seen as a result of the transition to democracy? Reorientation of Left and Right party ideals – More moderate Inclusion of previously marginalized groups Higher levels of accountability for past human rights abuses Reduction of political influence and role of military in Latin America

6. 3 regions concerning the varying degrees of Democracy 1.Liberal democracies Uruguay, Costa Rica, Chile, Argentina, Panama, Dominican Republic, Venezuela 2.Illiberal democracies Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Honduras, Bolivia 3.Pseudo-democracies Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Paraguay

7. The Promise of Democracy ¾ of Latin American citizens prefer democracy over other forms of government… … though they are not happy with the way democracy is performing in their country.

8. What do the citizens of Latin America perceive as the problems with democracy? 58% say votes can change future outcomes, but corruption and low levels of regime responsiveness are their concerns 70% see little to no equality before their country’s eyes 2/3 see the government as serving powerful interest groups, eliciting little confidence in politicians or institutions

9. How has democracy failed? Full rights of citizenship not guaranteed to ethnic & racial minorities and the poor Crime and violence rampant Police and state corrupt Judiciary incompetent = justice slow Democracy real, but shallow.

10. Why are there so many problems? Weak-rule of law Poor “romanticize” crime Corruption Cynicism of political parties POVERTYINEQUALITY

11. Securing democracy in the Americas Some progress is better than no progress…... But there is still a lot of work that has to be done. Alejandro Toledo’s 3 Parallel Paths: 1)There must be fundamentals of economic policy to generate sustained growth 2)Targeted programs to address poverty needed 3)Efforts needed to strengthen democratic institutions of accountability and representation