Wave Of Left-Wing Governments - Essay Assignment

Internal Code: MAS5761

Essay Assignment

Questions:  1. Beginning in the late 1990s, a wave of left-wing governments were elected in Latin America in rapid succession. Within this “left turn,” however, there was considerable variation among governments, both in terms of economic policy and orientation toward liberal democracy. What explains this variation? Whatever you argue, be sure to consider alternative explanations. 2. Juan Linz famously wrote about the “perils of presidentialism.” Much of his thinking on this subject was based on the Latin American experience since all Latin American countries use presidential. Linz published most of his work on this subject in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Today, decades later, we can use the benefit of hindsight to evaluate his claims. Was Linz right? Whatever you argue, be sure to consider the alternative view, as well.