Abstract

ORTIZ MARMOL, Egda. Populism and Democracy in Latin America. Frónesis [online]. 2009, vol.16, n.1, pp.43-62. ISSN 1315-6268.

The objective of this article is to analyze the populist phenomenon and its relationship with democracy in Latin America. A theoretical-conceptual review permits placing the origin of populism and democracy historically among the stages of constructing the State in the region. Concepts of populism and democracy for Latin America are explained. It was found that there are characteristics belonging to populism and democracy; characteristics corresponding to the first, as well as its values, are contrary to democracy. The conclusion is that it is necessary to build democracy based on agreements and values that cannot hide behind movements and leaderships that are doubtful for the region.

Keywords : Values; democracy; populism; Latin America.