Letras Libres

Cross posted at Political Arguments.

A new issue of Letras Libres, arguably the premier liberal magazine in Latin America, is online. The main topic is Venezuelan caudillo Hugo Chávez: the origins of his regime, the rhetorical use of Bolivarian imagery, the lack of an organized domestic opposition, and the political use of corruption in Chávez's populist autocracy.

What is one to make of Chávez's "Bolivarian revolution"? It is an example of how the æsthetics of defiance—to world financial markets, local élites, or American hegemony—can easily conceal the emergence of authoritarianism. The Venezuelan people, rich or poor, are no more free under Chávez than they were before, but they feel stronger, more powerful, and in control of their destiny. That Chávez can be standoffish and bombastic and get away with it is seen as evidence of independence; it is, more likely, proof if his irrelevance.

All articles are in Spanish and registration is required.