What were common limitations of democracy in post-1945 Latin America?

Common limitations of democracy in post-1945 Latin America included military coups, corruption, and socio-economic inequality.

In the aftermath of World War II, Latin America experienced a wave of democratisation. However, these nascent democracies were often fragile and faced numerous challenges. One of the most significant limitations was the prevalence of military coups. Many countries in the region, such as Argentina, Brazil, and Chile, experienced military takeovers that overthrew democratically elected governments. These coups were often backed by powerful domestic and international interests, and led to the establishment of authoritarian regimes that suppressed political freedoms and human rights.

Corruption was another major limitation of democracy in post-1945 Latin America. In many countries, political and economic power was concentrated in the hands of a small elite, who often used their positions for personal gain. This corruption undermined the legitimacy of democratic institutions and led to widespread public disillusionment with the political process. In some cases, it also fuelled social unrest and political instability, further weakening the democratic system.

Socio-economic inequality was also a significant barrier to the consolidation of democracy in Latin America. Despite the region's economic growth in the post-war period, the benefits were not evenly distributed. Large sections of the population remained in poverty, while a small elite controlled the majority of wealth. This inequality created social tensions and made it difficult to build a broad-based consensus in support of democratic governance. In many cases, it also provided a breeding ground for radical political movements that challenged the democratic order.

In addition, the influence of foreign powers, particularly the United States, often undermined democracy in Latin America. During the Cold War, the US frequently intervened in the region to support anti-communist regimes, regardless of their democratic credentials. This external interference not only undermined the sovereignty of Latin American nations, but also contributed to the instability and conflict that hindered the development of democracy.

In conclusion, while there were attempts to establish democracy in post-1945 Latin America, these efforts were often undermined by military coups, corruption, socio-economic inequality, and foreign interference. These factors created a challenging environment for the consolidation of democratic governance in the region.