The Transitions of Democracy: Between Liberty and Authoritarianism
On November 2, 2023, the Georgetown Americans Institute welcomed Julio Borges, a Venezuelan lawmaker who presided over the National Assembly from 2017 to 2019; Paola Bautista de Alemán, a Venezuelan politician and academic; and Juan Miguel Matheus, a congressman of the National Assembly of Venezuela, for a discussion on their co-edited volume, Las transiciones de la democracia: entre la libertad y el autoritarismo (2023).
The book encompasses interviews with former presidents and essays by experts, offering profound insights into the political trajectory of Latin America and the challenges confronting several of its relatively young democracies. Borges, Bautista de Alemán, and Matheus also provided their own perspectives.
Post-Cold War Geopolitical Shifts
For the panelists, Latin America has become a stage for a new post-Cold War geopolitical shift. In contrast to the ideological schism between communism and capitalism, this evolution is marked by differences in interpretations of fundamental concepts like liberty, religion, and culture. This shifting paradigm has prompted concerns about human rights and liberties. Referencing different perspectives articulated in the book, the panelists touched upon transitions from military regimes and populism to democracy across various nations.
Notable examples emerged, including insights by Felipe González, a former prime minister of Spain who underscored how understanding inherent vulnerabilities in autocratic regimes illuminates possibilities from which democratic transitions might begin to unfold. Former President of Uruguay Julio María Sanguinetti was also cited in the book, emphasizing the critical role of inclusive practices involving opposition forces. Sanguinetti referred to the psychological intricacies of political change, portraying it as a process driven by the delicate interplay between the forces of fear and impatience.
The Resilience of Democracy
Building off of the examples cited in the book, Matheus underscored the overwhelming coordination involved in dismantling dictatorship and the even greater challenge of consolidating democracy. He emphasized the uniqueness of each democratic transition, noting that while factors such as timing, individuals, and the nature of the autocratic regime may bear resemblances, there are no exact equivalents. Illustrating this point with his native Venezuela, Matheus shared that unlike previous periods in the country’s history that were marked by military dictatorship, the current Nicolás Maduro regime is closely tied to organized crime, introducing an additional layer of complexity when contemplating how to dismantle it.
Elaborating on the notion of resilience, Bautista de Alemán emphasized the significance of unity and coalition building. She highlighted the unexpected magnitude of voter turnout in the 2023 Venezuelan primary elections and the victory of María Corina Machado as the opposition's candidate. Only through a unified opposition could they present a formidable challenge to the incumbent leader and work towards toppling the existing regime.
Bautista de Alemán pointed out that, unlike many other authoritarian regimes, Venezuela's democratic history is present in the public consciousness, notably with the overthrow of the military dictatorship of Marcos Pérez Jiménez in 1958. She affirmed that this relatively recent history is ample evidence to remind Venezuelan citizens that they have successfully navigated a transition to democracy in the past and are fully capable of doing so again. She briefly touched on the significance of having a well-defined plan to implement once a democratic transition initiates. This includes addressing concerns related to organized crime and navigating the complexities of implementing either punitive or restorative justice in the aftermath of a dictatorship.
“The true fight for democracy takes place in the hearts of the people who fight for it.” - Paola Bautista de Alemán
Cultivating Public Trust
Similarly, Borges underscored the vital task of reconstructing the foundation of democratic consolidation after a dictatorship. He observed the escalating polarization of political discourses across the Americas in recent years, noting that the political center has, regrettably, lost its significance and prestige so that it is now viewed as something archaic or ineffective.
He emphasized that cultivating public trust and engagement in politicians and democratic institutions is paramount. Borges highlighted that the primary and most crucial step in achieving effective governance and governmental change lies in public engagement. If the public expresses indifference or disdain towards the political system, their inclination to actively participate in building their society diminishes significantly.
The event culminated with a sharp focus on the imminent 2024 presidential elections in Venezuela, delving into potential challenges and underscoring the imperative for robust international support.