Latin America’s changing balance of class forces: An introduction

Abstract

In this introductory article, we present the special collection by outlining the shared theoretical underpinnings of our attempt to understand the current crisis of the left in Latin America. Challenging state-centred perspectives that over-emphasize state autonomy and the role of charismatic leaders, we propose a relational approach, one that focuses on the interactions between governments, popular movements, and elites. While acknowledging the importance of international economic and geopolitical tendencies, our specific concern is to assess the internal balance of forces, which from our perspective is central in mediating broader external forces. The main conclusions that emerge from this collection are that first, left governments were not successful at undermining the influence and power of economic elites in society in an enduring way. Second, interactions between governments and popular movements did not lead to the strengthening of popular sector capacities in a way that could counter-balance the power of economic elites and further radicalize the process of change in the region. Our outlook for the future points to the emergence of a new form of authoritarian state.