Contemporary Politics of Latin America and Spain

Contemporary Politics of Latin America and Spain focuses on the processes of democratisation in Latin America and Spain from a comparative perspective; it seeks to contrast the different models of transition to democracy followed by the various states in the wider region known as Iberoamerica together with the middle and long-term consequences of the transitions.

In doing so, the course will explore the evolving dynamics of contemporary politics in the region. Key issues to be discussed include models of democratisation in Spain and Latin America, development and inequality in Latin America, the perils of poor institutional design, the role of the United States in Latin America, and policy-specific issues and outcomes, such as criminality, security, and populism.