Latin American Politics after the “Third Wave” of Democratization and Its Future Prospects

The global expansion of democracy in the last quarter of the twentieth century was described by Samuel Huntington as the “third wave” of democratization. Since it washed ashore in Latin America in the 1980 s, important changes have taken place in Latin America's political development process. The following characteristics can be observed: (1) The democratization process has been moving forward steadily. (2) Political reforms have been implemented in a more systematic way. (3) Some of the political parties in Latin America have lost their traditional influence. (4) Latin America is swerving left. (5) The importance of party politics has been increasing in Latin America. (6) “Democratic fatigue” is emerging.Looking towards the future, Latin America still needs to consolidate its democracy. Towards this end, the region should deal efficiently with the social problems; maintain relatively higher economic growth; keep the professionalized military away from politics; and curtail corruption and reinforce governability.