Uncovers the reasons and processes behind Bolivia's two decades of unprecedented popular resistance to the consequences of neoliberal policies.
Bolivia has experienced two decades of unprecedented popular resistance to the consequences of neoliberal policies, resulting in the resignation and flight of its president in October 2003. This unusual book uncovers the reasons and processes behind the rising opposition - mirrored in country after country in Latin America - to this currently fashionable, internationally prescribed approach to economic development. It explores the problems faced by governments in reproducing global strategies at the national level, the tensions between markets and democracy, state restructuring, citizenship and property rights. It points to the problems inherent in retaining neoliberalism as the dominant paradigm in Latin America for the foreseeable future and the unlikely prospect of it putting down real roots of approval and legitimacy.
The crisis in contemporary Bolivia is exceptional even by the formidable standards of the region. A confrontation between global forces and local populations, a battle over basic ideas in political economy, a comprehensive struggle over natural resources and their proper use, and a prolonged dispute over the political organisation of the republic have combined in an extraordinary experience of contested nationhood. This admirable book is written with both bold engagement and clear-headedness. Its authority derives from the author's deep knowledge of Bolivia, where they have lived and on which they have written over a range of issues. Lucid and well structured, the book provides an excellent synthetic account and analysis of the Bolivian labyrinth.
