On Populisms, Rupture, and Left-Wing Politics

Abstract

This article attempts to explain the so-called turn to the left of several Latin American political systems. It is our argument that there are several "lefts" involved based upon their ideological definitions and their different sociopolitical origins. From an ideological point of view, we identify the break-up lefts, which aim at a complete substitution of the capitalist regime, and the pragmatic lefts which search for a social improvement in the existing systems. As to the break-up left, the article analyzes their positions as regards social alliances, party theory, role of social movements and the ways to change, combination of strategies of electoral mobilization and social mobilization. The analysis of the great lines of the political economy of these movements is another aspect the article reviews; particular attention is given to the rebirth of statism and economic nationalisms as factors of differentiation of these movements. The legacy of a pragmatic and ideological past as well the political systems preceding the current movements, is an issue which becomes object of attention. Finally, we adopt the thesis that the so called "new" left does have strong elements of continuity for which it results more adequate to talk of a reconstruction upon the foundations of the past, instead of the emergence of an entirely new phenomenon.