POLS 324 Latin American Populisms
This course explores the complex history and development of populist regimes in Latin America from the early 20th century to the present. Through a combination of historical analysis, theoretical frameworks, and case studies, we will examine how populist and nationalist ideologies have shaped and transformed political, economic, and social structures across the region. Key topics include the rise of charismatic leaders, ideological constructions of “us” vs “them,” rhetorical strategies, and the relationship between populism, nationalism, and authoritarianism. We will start with the region’s most well-known populist figures of the 20th century: Brazil’s Getulio Vargas and Argentina’s Juan and Eva Perón. We will then examine more recent figures like Peru’s Alberto Fujimori and Pink Tide figures like Venezuela’s Hugo Chávez, and Bolivia’s Evo Morales. Finally, we will turn to contemporary figures like Brazil’s Jair Bolsonaro, Nicaragua’s Daniel Ortega, and El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele.
Cross Listed Course
LLAS 324