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Profs & Pints: Turmoil in South America

Profs and Pints presents: Turmoil in South America, with Fulton Armstrong, research fellow at American Universitys center for Latin American studies and former National Intelligence Officer for Latin America and adviser to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Latin America, declared a democratic region just a decade ago, is experiencing upheavals that suggest a slide toward chaos. In many of these rapidly evolving situations, the rights of women, indigenous populations, and people of African descent are at stake.

To briefly recap the dizzying recent developments there: Riots have shaken Chile, long seen as a paragon of democratic transition and economic prosperity. Colombia is experiencing general strikes for the first time in years. Bolivias President was forced to flee when the military withdrew its support for him after broadly contested elections. Perus President shut down Parliament. Ecuadors president felt forced to move his government out of the capital for several days. Brazils president lashes out against opponents using language provoking fears of new oppression. Venezuela continues to spiral downward. For its part, the Organization of American States is taking sides in these internal matters, even leading the charge for regime change in some countries.

It's possible that these nations might see a reassertion of authoritarianism, but the recent tumult also might be propelling them toward richer, more inclusive political systems. Will such nations traditional economic and political elites resort to repression, or will they engage with popular sectors to find a peaceful way ahead? Will the people meet them halfway?

Come hear such questions tackled by Fulton Armstrong, an expert on Latin America who previously gave great Profs and Pints talks on the political and economic crisis in Venezuela. Hell help you make sense of the recent developments in South America and understand the frustrations that are driving citizens to take to the streets. Hell also discuss what the United States stands to lose or gain, and what U.S. policy toward the region should be. (Advance tickets: $12. Doors: $15, save $2 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later. Please arrive in plenty of time to place any order and be seated and settled before the talk begins.)