O Estado como Forma e como Limite: contradições das esquerdas na América Latina, em especial na Venezuela e no Brasil

Abstract

This text assesses the gravitation from popular and workers' movements by the state in South American countries in the last two decades, especially in Brazil and Venezuela. It understands that gravitation from a capitalist state theory which analyses the state as a form that contains social conflicts and antagonisms. The essay starts with a short review of the so-called progressive governments in South America and then shows the particularities of the state in those countries. Later, popular and workers' movements form Venezuela and Brazil are evaluated according to the limitations in their emancipatory horizon conformed by the state. Finally, it suggests that the political crisis and the return of right-wing/ extreme right groups in Brazil and Venezuela could be thought in connection with the limitation of the emancipatory horizon.