Hugo Chávez and the Bolivarian Revolution : Populism and Democracy in a Globalised Age

The emergence of Hugo Chávez in Venezuela has revived analysis of one of Latin America's most enduring political traditions: populism. Yet Latin America has changed since the heyday of Perón and Evita. Globalisation, implemented through harsh IMF-inspired Structural Adjustment Programmes, has taken hold throughout the region, and democracy is supposedly the ‘only game in town’. This book examines the phenomenon that is Chávez within these contexts, assessing to what extent his government fits into established ideas on populism in Latin America. It also provides a comprehensive and critical analysis of Chávez's emergence, his government's social and economic policies, its foreign policy, as well as assessing the charges of authoritarianism brought against him. The book carries debate beyond current polarised views on the Venezuelan president, to consider the prospects of the new Bolivarian model surviving beyond its leader and progenitor, Chávez. The emergence of Hugo Chávez in Venezuela has revived analysis of one of Latin America's most enduring political traditions - populism. Yet Latin America has changed since the heyday of Perón and Evita. Globalisation, implemented through harsh IMF inspired Structural Adjustment Programmes, has taken hold throughout the region and democracy is supposedly the 'only game in town'. This book examines the phenomenon that is Hugo Chávez within these contexts, assessing to what extent his government fits into established ideas on populism in Latin America. The book also provides a comprehensive and critical analysis of Chávez's emergence, his government's social and economic policies, its foreign policy, as well as assessing the charges of authoritarianism brought against him. Written in clear, accessible prose, the book carries debate beyond current polarised views on the Venezuelan president, to consider the prospects of the new Bolivarian model surviving beyond its leader and progenitor, Hugo Chávez Front matter Contents List of abbreviations and terms List of tables Acknowledgements Introduction Populism and Latin America: context, causes, characteristics and consequences Structural fractures, crises, the state and the emergence of Chávez The leader and the led: hegemonic strategies in the leadership of Hugo Chávez Populism, globalisation and the socioeconomic policies of the Chávez government Democrat or authoritarian? Democracy in Bolivarian Venezuela in comparative perspective The consequences and impact of populism: institutionalisation and democractisation in Chávez’s Venezuela Venezuelan international relations in the age of globalisation Conclusion: populism and democracy in a globalised age Bibliography Index The first full-length study of the government of Hugo Chavez of Venezuela within wider discussions on populism and globalisation in Latin America. It provides a comprehensive and critical account of Chavez's emergence, socio-economic policies, democratic credentials, impact, foreign policy and future prospects. -- . The first full-length study of the government of Hugo Chávez of Venezuela within wider discussions on populism and globalisation in Latin America. It provides a comprehensive and critical account of Chávez’s emergence, socio-economic policies, democratic credentials, impact, foreign policy and future prospects.