The Expanded Political Arena of Participatory Politics in Latin America

Session Submission Type: Roundtable

Abstract

The contemporary expansion of the political arena in Latin America involves an easing of many of the old forms of ideological polarization between pro-market and anti-market reforms and the emergence of a greater variety of alliances and positions than was possible during the first incorporation or during the period of neoliberal adjustment. The diversity of actors, but also venues, policy types, and the advent of new participatory governance structures require a more comprehensive approach to understand the current reincorporation of Latin American civil society. This roundtable will explore the implications of a special issue of Latin American Politics and Society (Summer 2019) that explores the expansion of the political arena following anti-neoliberal movements in the region. The contributions identify patterns of incorporation and transformation among key popular sector and political actors. The roundtable discussion will focus on the new actors and processes emphasized in this special issue for influencing policy-making. Instead of seeing the state as an actor that primarily responds (or does not respond) to the demands of civil societal organizations (CSOs) and movements, the contributors demonstrate that the state contains activists and presents its own as well as channels the claims of the popular sector. The key lesson is that the expansion of the political arena in post-neoliberal Latin America is enduring and may well have moved beyond the process of incorporation to a more consolidated and permanent state.

Sub Track

• Political Institutions and Processes

Session Organizer

• Alfred P Montero, Carleton College

Chair

• Kenneth M Roberts, Cornell University

Discussant

• Eduardo Silva, Tulane University

Presenters

• Lindsay R Mayka, Colby College

• Jessica J Rich, Marquette University

• Rebecca N Abers, Universidade de Brasília

• Santiago J Anria, Dickinson College

• Sara J Niedzwiecki, University of California, Santa Cruz

• Yanilda M González, University of Chicago