In the past two months, large-scale protests and citizen mobilizations have raged against the governments of Andean countries. While the circumstances differ in each country, key moments converted simmering citizen anger into widespread and sustained street demonstrations amid frustration over deepening inequality, austerity measures, rampant corruption, and an out of touch political class. In some countries, uprisings are also rooted in historical racial tensions—either in the form of backlash against indigenous and ethnic groups, or with these groups forcefully calling for action on long-standing issues of safety and progress. In some instances, security forces have engaged in excessive force against their citizens, causing serious concern over human rights abuses and the role of the military in civic and political life.
Focusing on Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, and Peru, five of our experts will trace the events leading up to the protests in each country, analyze the response by these governments, and highlight instances of repression and abuse where applicable. They will then explore avenues for peaceful outcomes in each of these countries, including consideration of the role that U.S. policymakers and regional actors can play to help achieve just, inclusive, and democratic systems in the region.
Join us for a round table discussion that seeks to make sense of protests in the region by examining the particularities in each of these countries.
Event Details:
Monday, December 9, 2019
1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Washington Office on Latin America, WOLA
1666 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20009
Participants:
Gimena Sánchez-Garzoli
Director for the Andes, Washington Office on Latin America, WOLA
Joe Eldridge
Senior Fellow, Washington Office on Latin America, WOLA
Jo-Marie Burt
Senior Fellow, Washington Office on Latin America, WOLA
Associate Professor, Schar School of Policy and Government, George Mason University.
John Walsh
Director for Drug Policy and the Andes, Washington Office on Latin America, WOLA
Adam Isacson
Director for Defense Oversight, Washington Office on Latin America, WOLA
Moderator:
Mario Moreno
Vice President for Communications, Washington Office on Latin America, WOLA
This event will be conducted in English and will be live streamed and recorded.
Disclaimer: The event is full, we are no longer accepting RSVPs. We apologize for the inconvenience.