Democracy in Central America: How Strong? February 19, 2009

Hosted by: Center for Latin American Studies and the Institute for Foreign Policy Analysis

During the 1970s and 1980s, Central America was a major Cold War battleground, torn by violence and internal conflict. The Cold War drew to an end in Latin America as a wave of democratization swept the region. Today, however, the influence of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and his brand of populism, Iranian adventurism, organized crime and drug trafficking, and the world-wide economic downturn are endangering democratic gains in Central America. In Nicaragua, President Daniel Ortega has tied his country to the radical populism preached by Chavez. In El Salvador, the leftist FMLN seems poised to win the presidential elections in March. In Honduras, President Manuel Zelaya has linked his country to ALBA, the trade association of countries in Venezuela's orbit. Meanwhile, Guatemala continues to be torn apart by violence from organized crime. In light of this potential regression into authoritarianism, democratic institutions seem increasingly threatened. To shed light on challenges to democracy in Central America, Hudson's Center for Latin American Studies, in partnership with the Institute for Foreign Policy Analysis is bringing together a select and distinguished group of experts on the region.

Official Website: http://www.hudson.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=hudson_upcoming_events&id=655