In recent weeks, Latin America has witnessed mass demonstrations, contentious elections, and constitutional crises. From Lima to La Paz, Santiago to Port-au-Prince, and Quito to Buenos Aires, much of the region appears gripped by a spontaneous outburst of citizen energy and grievance. Incumbent leaders are being challenged on the streets and at the ballot box. And even stable governments suddenly seem fragile. 

What is driving public unrest and discontent in Latin America? Are the causes country-specific or interrelated, and how can they be addressed?  Is there evidence to support allegations of interference by external actors? And what does this wave of citizen agitation imply for the region’s democratic future? 

To analyze recent developments and discuss these questions, the Inter-American Dialogue is pleased to host “Latin America’s Autumn of Discontent.” 

Follow the event at #LatAmDiscontent and @The_Dialogue.

Speakers:

Monica de Bolle

Director, Latin American Studies Program, Johns Hopkins’ School of Advanced International Studies (@bollemdb)

Michael Penfold 

Professor, Instituto de Estudios Superiores de Administración (IESA) (@penfold_michael)

Michael Shifter

President, Inter-American Dialogue (@MichaelShifter)

Moderator:

Michael Camilleri

Director, Peter D. Bell Rule of Law Program, Inter-American Dialogue (@camillerimj)