Aims
The course focuses on the problems and dynamics of political change in post-war Latin America. The course seeks to show how historical events not only have immediate repercussions but also have an impact on contemporary politics. Moreover, it aims to highlight how the difficulties faced by fragile democracies are rooted in the history of violent power transitions and the political norms of violence and coercion which these establish.

Objectives
The module will give students an understanding of the following:

• The origins of the post-war crisis: the conflict between economic and political elites and the powerless and impoverished sectors which clamoured for political recognition and economic improvement; the subsequent rebellion and repression; the Cuban Revolution and its impact on Latin American politics.

• Elite solutions to the "threat of communism" and their outcomes: reformist military in Peru and Sendero Luminoso; right wing military in the Southern Cone and the eradication of "communism"; civilian/military alliances in Central America and guerrilla movements; stable democracies (Costa Rica & Venezuela) and limited pluralism and persistent inequality.

• The retreat of authoritarianism and problems of democratisation: democratic consolidation in the Southern Cone; enduring crisis of democracy in Central America; human rights and the military; military restriction of democracy; authoritarianism resurgent in Peru; survival of socialism in Cuba.