In the middle 20th century, following the Mexican Revolution of 1910-1920, economic and class relations began to change. Populist governments came to power in a few countries, and they pursued new “statist” policies that expanded the middle class. This was often accomplished with one-party rule, as was true under the PRI of Mexico. The textbook’s authors associate the end of “statist” policies in the late 20th century with economic growth and democratic change, including genuine pluralist elections with multiple parties competing for office. What made democracy possible, according to the authors, were free trade agreements like NAFTA, Mercosur, and FTAA, all encouraged by the US government.
Write at least two paragraphs explaining what you think is the best direction for Latin America in the 21st century. Is it best to continue pluralist democracy while following US-led free trade agreements, return to “statist” policies of the past under one-party rule, or something else? Why?