Social discontent in times of pandemic in Latin America and the Caribbean
In Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), the relationship between inequality, power, and money is central to understanding how countries with such wealth simultaneously generate so much poverty and privilege. This inequality distorts the legitimacy of democracy by granting those with the most power a greater capacity to influence politics in their favor. In a region where the wealthiest 10% concentrate 68% of the wealth, it is difficult to separate political capture from inequality.
Capture mechanisms create and perpetuate inequality and privilege, and are a major cause of social discontent, democratic disaffection, and protests occurring in almost every Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) country. This document briefly and compellingly presents case studies from four countries that illustrate how capture by certain LAC elites impacts the daily lives of millions of people and affects different sectors of society.
This document argues that the capture and privileges enjoyed by certain social groups, along with inequality, are the main causes behind social discontent, democratic disaffection, and the protests occurring throughout Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). To this end, it will demonstrate the extent of political capture in LAC and its impact on democracy and inequality through specific cases where public policies have prioritized the interests of an elite over the general interest.
This document outlines a proposed set of work agendas to promote debate on how to reconfigure the social contract through institutional means in Latin America and the Caribbean, thereby strengthening the region's democratic systems and addressing privilege. These issues are essential in the current context of pandemic and political crises. By cross-referencing statistical data and case studies on party financing (Peru), tourism development (Dominican Republic), telecommunications (Argentina), and access to water (El Salvador), this document establishes the relationship between the capture of public policy, inequality, and disaffection with democracy. The cases demonstrate how lobbying, revolving doors, and media campaigns are the main mechanisms by which elites exert abusive influence to steer crucial political decisions away from the public interest.
Some of the studies are part of the second research grants on capture in Latin America and the Caribbean organized by CLACSO, OXFAM and the FES Foundation.
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