I. Research Question
The Research question of the research topic that I have proposed is “What explains the low level of support for democracy in Latin America”. The focus of my paper will therefore be to ascertain the reasons as to why there have been very low levels for support of democracy in Latin America based on public opinion surveys that have been carried out. My research proposal will also seek to ascertain the reasons as to why there has been no satisfaction in democracy in Latin America and therefore give the way forward on what should be done to ensure that there is both democracy and satisfaction in Democracy in Latin America. Based on conventional wisdom, a country is supposed to have a strong democracy and satisfaction so that all the needs of its citizens are well catered for. However, in Latin America’s case, there has been no democracy and satisfaction and as a result, the country has miles to go to ensure democracy is attained (Isbester 2013).
II. Relevant Literature
My research questions will be based on the literature regarding Democracy in Latin America. Indeed, my body of literature will seek to ascertain the fact that most of the surveys and public opinion obtained indicated that that Democracy in Latin America still has miles to go and therefore there is need for remedial actions to be taken in order to rescue the situation. In one of the articles by Kevin C. Zamora titled “Democracy in Latin America: Miles Traveled and Miles to Go”, it is indicated that Latin America’s democratic consolidation was heavily eroded as a result of the economic downturn which led to a reversal towards authoritarianism and also towards a big political devastation. The article further discusses that despite of some problematic findings in a few nations; democracy in Latin America is generally as robust as it was for the past two years despite the fact that there was a decline in abstract support for democracy in the country while there was a marginal growth in satisfaction with democracy. The article further articulates the fact that most cynical observers will be aware of the fact that despite the fact that Latin America has had a terrible political history, this does not actually amount to much.
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III. Central argument
I strongly propose that despite the fact that Latin America’s democratic history has been terrible in the past; the country is on its way to ensuring that fair democracy is attained. Given the fact that the surveys also indicated the fact that there were strong perceptions that the economic performance of the government and the opinions regarding the president were most of the vital factors that affected democratic attitudes of Latin America, and then there was great need to address these issues. This is because the variables significantly explained the support for the political system, democracy and satisfaction in Latin America.
IV. Methodology of the Research Paper
My research paper will use the numerous literature available regarding democracy and satisfaction in Latin America in order to argue its case and present the relevant recommendations. The research paper will therefore use the similarities and differences available in such materials in order to come up with comprehensive information regarding the research question.
V. Relevance of the Study
My Research Proposal is vital because it will seek to examine critically some of the Public Opinion Surveys in Latin America based on the support for democracy/Satisfaction and seeks to explain the reasons behind it. The research paper is also vital because it proposes the various steps taken to enhance democracy in Latin America based on the country’s history.
- Azpuru and Shaw. “The United States and the Promotion of Democracy in Latin America: Then, Now and Tomorrow.” ‘Wichita State University Department of Education. Web. Retrieved from http://webs.wichita.edu/ on February 2, 2014.
- Casas-Zamora, Kevin. “Democracy in Latin America: Miles Traveled and Miles To Go.” The Brookings Institute. February 2, 2011. Web. Retrieved from http://www.brookings.edu/ on February 2, 2014.
- Gilbert, Steven. “The U.S. Policy of Democratic Promotion in Latin America. Eastern Michigan University. 2008. Web. Retrieved from http://commons.emich.edu/ on February 4, 2014.
- Gonzalez, Luis. “Political Crises and Democracy in Latin America Since the End of the Cold War.” The Helen Kellogg Institute for International Studies. 2008. Web. Retrieved from http://kellogg.nd.edu/ on February 2, 2014.
- Isbester, Karen. “The Paradox of Democracy in Latin America: 10 Country Studies of Division and Resilience”
- O’Donnell, Guillermo. “Illusions About Consolidation” Journal of Democracy. Vol. 7, No. 2 (April 1996) pp. 54-51.
- Puddington, Arch. “Latin America’s Wavering Democracies.” Freedom House. September 2012. Web. sbester, Chapter 1 (“Democracy: A Complex Balance,” by Katherine Isbester), pp. 1-33. Retrieved from http://www.freedomhouse.org/ on February 3, 2014.
- Seligson, Mitchell. “Challenges to Democracy in Latin America and the Caribbean: Evidence From the Americas Barameter 2006-2007.” Vanderbilt University. March 2008. Web. Retrieved from http://www.vanderbilt.edu/ on February 3, 2014.
- Wiarda, Howard. “The Democratic Revolution in Latin America: History, Politics and U.S. Policy.” Foreign Affairs. 1990. Web. Retrieved from http://www.foreignaffairs.com/ on February 4, 2014.
- World Court Digest. “Nicaragua v USA”. International Court of Justice. Max-Planck-Institut. June 27, 1986. Web. Retrieved from http://www.mpil.de/de/pub/aktuelles.cfm on February 1, 2014.
