Rethinking Latin American Social Movements: Radical Action from Below

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This groundbreaking text explores the dramatic evolution in Latin American social movements over the past fifteen years. Leading scholars examine a variety of cases that highlight significant shifts in the region. First is the breakdown of the Washington Consensus and the global economic crisis since 2008, accompanied by the rise of new paradigms such as buen vivir (living well). Second are transformations in internal movement dynamics and strategies, especially the growth of horizontalism (horizontalidad), which emphasizes non-hierarchical relations within society rather than directly tackling state power. Third are new dynamics of resistance and repression as movements interact with the pink tide rise of left-of-center governments in the region. Exploring outcomes and future directions, the contributors consider the variations between movements arising from immediate circumstances (such as Oaxacas 2006 uprising and Brazils 2013 bus fare protests) and longer-lasting movements (Va Campesina, Brazils MST, and Mexicos Zapatistas). Assessing both the continuities in social movement dynamics and important new tendencies, this book will be essential reading for all students of Latin American politics and society. Contributions by: Marc Becker, George Ciccariello-Maher, Kwame Dixon, Fran Espinoza, Daniela Issa, Nathalie Lebon, Maurice Rafael Magaa, Mara Elena Martinez-Torres, Sara C. Motta, Leonidas Oikonomakis, Suyapa Portillo Villeda, Peter M. Rosset, Marina Sitrin, Rose J. Spalding, Richard Stahler-Sholk, Alicia Swords, Harry E. Vanden, and Ral Zibechi

Reviews

With engaging essays documenting grassroots resistance to neoliberalism across Latin America, this volume is a must-read for anyone interested in how ordinary people are challenging and changing the meaning of democracy in the region. -- Susan Eckstein, Boston University
The contributors to this fine collection tackle a series of crucial issues facing new social movement actors in Latin America as they engage with the progressive governments of the Pink Tide. How the new horizontalist social movements cope with the more pragmatic concerns and practices of the center-left governments will shape the agenda for the left in the post-neoliberal era. -- Barry Carr, La Trobe University, Australia

Author Bio

Richard Stahler-Sholk is professor in the Department of Political Science at Eastern Michigan University. Harry E. Vanden is professor in the Department of Government and International Affairs and the Institute for the Study of Latin America and the Caribbean at the University of South Florida. Marc Becker is professor in the Department of History at Truman State University.