Social Movements and Civil Society

Abstract

This panel seeks to explore the role of social movements and civil society in Latin America. A broad range of topics are welcomed in order to provide an extensive overview of the state of Latin American civil society today. Civil society actors and social movements in particular, have been integral in political and societal advancements across the region. Today’s Latin American civil society actors have their historical roots in the movements which vehemently fought military dictatorships for democratisation and justice throughout the 1970s. By being at the forefront of social protest Latin American civil society has surmounted great obstacles to achieve advancements in a variety of issues. From women’s movements in Central America, to indigenous movements of the Andes and the landless and movements in the Southern Cone, civil society actors are diverse in their causes but united in the indubitable role they play in tackling grievances across the region. In more recent times these actors are confronting international challenges such as climate change, food sovereignty and resource governance. These actors are also prevalent at the community level addressing grievances such as sanitation, security and urban development planning within shantytowns. In many of these cases civil society actors have taken a State-like role by being leaders in policy innovation and democratic governance. Notwithstanding the positive role played throughout the region, there also exists the argument that this highly mobilised civil society has also resulted in the emergence of what some might term the darker side of civil society. Arguably, this has taken the form of terrorist organisations, violent paramilitaries and drug cartels. Regardless of the perceived nature of civil society however, this panel invites research which will contribute to an in-depth and nuanced investigation into the role played by civil society in Latin America today.

Title	Details
The “Other Campaign” and “Other Possibilities” for the Mexican Left	View Paper Details
Social Movements, State and Indigenous Autonomy Demands in Bolivia	View Paper Details
The Process of Nation-Building, Social Conflict and Democracy: The Case of Bagua and Conga	View Paper Details