Capstone Seminar: Latin American Left Turns: A New Politics for the 21st Century?

Examination of issues surrounding the upsurge of leftist governments elected by the popular vote in the wake of the perceived failures of neoliberalism and the Washington consensus of 1989. Looks at ways Washington has had to come to terms with an unexpected revival on the left that threatens U.S. hegemony while offering an alternative path to achieve national development, distribution of wealth, and recognition of diversity and pluralism. Students will examine these issues from multiple viewpoints and develop projects based on choosing specific research foci within the general enterprise of what these government share in common and how they differ.