Ecuador

Abstract

Abstract During the era of popular President Rafael Correa (2007-2017), Indigenous CSOs in Ecuador were forced to adjust to a new political context and citizenship regime that simultaneously extended social citizenship and provided new opportunities for participation while imposing limitations on civil rights and restricting space for CSOs. They turned their attention to “civic” practices permitted by the state. When the gains they had achieved over the years were threatened, and the political opportunity structure shifted again, they were able to build on their experience to assume a leadership role within Ecuadorian civil society. The relatively solidarity and cohesive structure of Indigenous civil society, supported by the skillful use of ICTs, demonstrated that Indigenous CSOs remain a strong political force in Ecuador. They adapted their approach to political participation, resource mobilization, and communication, and they have continued to develop an expanding repertoire of tactics through multi-scalar positioning. The chapter also looks at how community work in the territories is used to gain support. Finally, it demonstrates that there is considerable variation with respect to use of digital technologies, but that they played a central role in the 2019 protests that threatened the survival of the government.