Latin America in the 21st Century Disputes for Democracy. Political Economy of Inequality

Abstract

In this work we analyze the relationship between the dispute over democracy and the political economy of inequality in Latin America in the 21st century. We examine the different economic and political models that have been implemented, their impact on inequality and the consequences for democracy. Democracy in Latin America has experienced fluctuations in the 21st century, with advances and setbacks. Economic inequality, a historical problem in the region, has been considered a factor that threatens democratic stability. To address the proposed objectives, we implement a research methodology that combines: bibliographic review and comparative analysis of cases where we study the experiences of different countries in the region that have implemented left-wing governments, with emphasis on the public policies applied and their results in matter of redistribution. Preliminary findings: The research revealed a robust correlation between economic disparity and democratic fragility in Latin America. Countries with higher levels of disparity are more likely to experience political instability, social protests, and governance crises. In conclusion, economic disparity constitutes a threat to democracy in Latin America. It is necessary to implement public policies that reduce disparity and promote social inclusion to strengthen democracy in the region.