This thesis analyses the legacy of "tierras malhabidas" from the military dictatorship in Paraguay (1954-1989), and its implications on the country's process towards achieving a consolidated...Show moreThis thesis analyses the legacy of "tierras malhabidas" from the military dictatorship in Paraguay (1954-1989), and its implications on the country's process towards achieving a consolidated democracy, through the case study of "La masacre de Curuguaty".Show less
The thesis is concerned with the topic of democratic consolidation in Guatemala. The country became a formal democracy in the 1980s, but since that moment it has started an ongoing process of...Show moreThe thesis is concerned with the topic of democratic consolidation in Guatemala. The country became a formal democracy in the 1980s, but since that moment it has started an ongoing process of democratic consolidation. Within the same time period we see the emergence of neoliberalism in the region. Neoliberalism focused on the opening up of markets to international trade and included the introduction of many free trade agreements such as CAFTA-DR. While CAFTA-DR had as primary objective to facilitate trade, there were also political objectives attached to it that revolved around promoting democracy in the region. The aim of the thesis is to research how CAFTA-DR promoted democracy and to what extent it contributed to the strengthening of democratic institutions in Guatemala. The thesis identifies three main ways through which CAFTA-DR influences democratic consolidation. The agreement aims at increasing institutional transparency, strengthening the rule of law and enhancing accountability structures. While there are many elements present in the agreement that help to strengthen democratic institutions, obstacles are present that can significantly limit the effect of the agreement.Show less
The research draws upon the process of democratic transition and subsequent consolidation in the post-authoritarian Chilean state. The agency of a transnational flow of information produced by...Show moreThe research draws upon the process of democratic transition and subsequent consolidation in the post-authoritarian Chilean state. The agency of a transnational flow of information produced by networks of international institutions when promoting democracy around the world is considered due to its centrality to the Post Cold War wave of democratization. Within this context, the thesis argues that national political culture can constitute an obstacle to this exogenous process, as exemplified by the institutionalised conflict between civilian and military power in post-Pinochet Chile. The centrality of the role of the government in the process of democratisation is hence presented as being more directly effective than external influences such as those diplomacy and international law.Show less
