The Bolivian pluriverse: the Comuna Group, emerging subjects, and transformative political action against neoliberalism

Abstract

This article reviews an important experience of pluriversal political activity in Bolivia, through the prism of the theoretical and political contributions of Grupo Comuna, a local organization of scholar activists and public intellectuals. Comuna deployed Marxist categories to examine, and intervene upon, the dilemmas of the pluriverse and the social and political challenges facing Bolivia’s original peoples (pueblos originarios). The article examines publications of the Group and original interviews with its members. Bolivian social movements were partially successful defeating neoliberalism in the country, and Morales’ administrations transformed Bolivia. These successes were achieved in and through an innovative analysis, including the recognition of the pluriversal nature of the Bolivian political process. Almost uniquely among politically engaged academics, Comuna helped to develop a programme adapted to the country’s circumstances and addressing the challenges of intervention in pluriversal activity; in doing this, they supported mass organization and mobilization, and achieved strong political impact.