GAI Hosts Author Alberto Vergara to Discuss New Book
On September 25, the Georgetown Americas Institute (GAI) and the Center for Latin Studies (CLAS) welcomed Alberto Vergara, author of Disillusioned Republics, Can Latin America Escape its Current Bind? (Repúblicas Defraudadas. ¿Puede América Latina escapar de su atasco?) (2023), to discuss the book’s themes and the state of republics in the region in a conversation moderated by Diana Kapiszewski, associate professor of government and director of the Center for Latin American Studies at Georgetown University.
Latin America is experiencing a period of deep social and political unrest, demonstrated by a rise in protests, increased popularity of anti-establishment leaders, and declining enthusiasm for democracy. In his new book, Vergara examines the idea of the republic, how it is used in practice in Latin America, and why the republics in the region have not been able to succeed. He argues that economic, political, and social stagnation have resulted in disempowerment of citizens who become discontented with their inability to affect change in their own societies.
Equality in the Republic
In considering which framework and political theory should guide his book, the republic as an ideal appealed to Vergara because it includes a balance between the concept of self-governance and a sort of communal governance approach. He discussed the development of the political theory behind republics, explaining that through the twentieth century the idea was developed that individuals in a society must trade some liberty for equality, and vice versa.
Vergara also explained that equality is essential to sustain a republic. Writers such as Alexis de Toqueville explored this concept, believing that democracy also needs equality. Niccolo Machiavelli had a similar approach, saying that where there is inequality one would build a monarchy, but where there is equality one can build a republic.
Origins of the Republic in Latin America
In exploring the ideas of the republic in Latin America, Vergara gave historical context, citing that most nascent Latin American countries (with the exception of Brazil and Mexico) chose to become republics upon gaining independence. This commitment to republicanism is even reflected in common street names throughout the region like Constitution Avenue or Liberty Street. The stated ideology of these countries’ founders aimed to build systems where all individuals could enjoy similar degrees of freedom.
However, early in this process as republics were introduced in the region, some parts of society succeeded in building internal spatial regimes through the legacies of aristocracies and large landowners, called fazendas or latifundos. Additionally, there was an informal pact among the political classes that ensured certain groups in society would never have power, making progress towards equality and increased liberties difficult. In fact, Vergara noted that after independence, life for peasants worsened significantly as discrimination became embedded into new political systems to maximize inequality.
Unfulfilled Promises
Governments in the region today have failed to deliver on these promises of equality and liberty for all because the values of the republic are not the same as the values of those governing the republic. Inequality, according to Vergara, is not an accident, but rather a well-oiled machine. He concedes that many benefitting from that machine do not consciously realize it, but those who do not benefit are beginning to realize that they do not live in a society that rewards effort, but rather one that prevents success.
Because of this, across Latin America today there is a constant and widespread malaise, characterized by repudiation and rejection. Vergara described how voters, unable to affect change in their own societies through traditional means, are now throwing their support behind anti-establishment outsiders to punish incumbent politicians.
“There is a malaise in the region: people are fed up. The question then is, why is this happening?” - Alberto Vergara
Vergara noted that today the region does not trend strongly to the right or left politically, with 12 of the last 20 elections going to candidates on the left and eight on the right. However, what is trending is the fact that incumbents are losing and outsiders are winning. Many are skeptical about the consequences of outsiders as elected politicians because they do not play by traditional rules.
On the Brink of Social Outbreak
Vergara suspects that many countries across the region are on the cusp of social outbreak, but what will be the final trigger, and what are the consequences? Currently there is a growing acceptance of the executive branch of government dominating the legislative branch. On top of that, support for democracy is decreasing, declining from 63% in 2019 to 49% in 2020 in a recent Latinobarometro report.
Vergara noted that citizens can and do play an active role in the demolition of democracy and the building of undemocratic regimes, citing El Salvador as an example. Although large parts of the country do not have basic freedoms like property rights, civil rights, or safety, President Nayib Bukele still touts an approval rating of 87%.
The Path Forward
Kapiszewski raised the question: If republicanism in the region has failed the last 200 years, why does Vergara believe that it is still the solution today? Vergara emphasized a message of gradual and incremental progress, stating that even if achieving a successful republic is elusive, society must keep trying to do things better. He noted the failed promise of liberalism and the Washington Consensus of the 1980s to alleviate poverty and concluded with his belief that republicanism can replace liberalism to create a society that is more inclusive and promotes the common good.
This event was co-sponsored by the Georgetown Americas Institute and the Center for Latin American Studies at Georgetown University.