History of political parties in twentieth-century Latin America

Abstract

The general perception of modern Latin American political institutions emphasizes a continuing and random process of disorder and crisis, continually out of step with other regions in their progress toward democracy and prosperity. In History of Political Parties in Latin America, Torcuato S. DiTella demonstrates that this common view lacks context and comparative nuance, and is deeply misleading. Looking behind the scenes of modern Latin American history, he discerns its broad patterns through close analysis of actual events and comparative sociological perspectives that explain the apparent chaos of the past and point toward the more democratic polity now developing. DiTella argues that although Latin America has peculiarities of its own, they must be understood in their contrasts - and similarities - with both the developed centers and undeveloped peripheries of the world. From the slave revolt in Haiti to that of Tupac Amaru in Peru, the Mexican Insurgentes of 1810 and those of 1910, and so many other later instances, the local dominant classes have been subjected to a greater degree of popular menace than has usually been acknowledged. This has diminished their liberal, democratic convictions and also accounts for the weakness of conservative parties in the region. DiTella analyzes, as well, such significant exceptions to this pattern as Chile, Colombia, and, to a large extent, Brazil. On the other side of the social spectrum, he shows how the underpriviledged classes have tended to support strongman populist movements, which have the double character of being aggressive toward the established order, but at the same time repressive of public liberties and of more radical groups. DiTella provides a necessary examination of the concept of populism and divides it into several variants. History of Political Parties in Latin America is rich in historical description, but also in its broad review of social structures and of the strengths and weaknesses of political institutions. It is an important volume for Latin America area specialists and historians, political scientists, and sociologists.