Definitive Right Turn in Latin American Politics?

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For almost two decades, left-wing coalitions have dominated political power in many Latin American countries. Yet of late they have been faltering at the polls. While primary commodity prices were high, left-leaning leaders successfully wielded redistributive policies to raise living standards and decrease inequality, thereby sustaining their hold on office. But now that the region’s economies are struggling, voters seem to be turning, somewhat hesitatingly, to more right-of-center parties and leaders who claim that their more “realistic” and market friendly (i.e. “neoliberal”) policies will restore prosperity. Yet as the self-proclaimed socialist left loses steam in some parts of the region, nationalistic and left-leaning populist forces may be gaining strength in others, especially Mexico, as they face the threat offered by U.S. President Trump. What is more, the incoming right-wing forces do not have a particularly new or dynamic program to offer.

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