Abstract

LUNA, Juan Pablo  and  ROVIRA KALTWASSER, Cristóbal. Punishment of incumbents and right-wing political cycle in Latin America. Rev. Urug. Cienc. Polít. [online]. 2021, vol.30, n.1, pp.135-156.  Epub June 01, 2021. ISSN 0797-9789.  https://doi.org/10.26851/rucp.30.1.6.

This article presents a characterization of three type of strategies (non-electoral, non-partisan electoral, and partisan) pursued by the right in contemporary Latin America. By analyzing the recent course of the party systems in the region, we also argue that the so-called turn to the right constitutes a process of power alternation generated by the punishment of incumbents of the last decade and a half (mostly on the left), rather than a structural ideological realignment. This alternation in power occurs in a context, in which established parties tend to disappear or become substantially weaker, and in which short-lived electoral vehicles are gaining traction. Finally, we argue that there does not seem to be space in the region today -especially because of the social crisis associated with the effects of the covid-19 pandemic- for the strengthening of a neoliberal right. However, the current context does seem propitious for the emergence of right-wing outsiders, capable of structuring a pro-order agenda that incorporates, in different proportions, ‘iron-hand’ policies, value conservatism, and market liberalism.

Keywords : right; Latin America; political parties; outsiders; alternation in power.

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