The article by Maxwell Cameron and Federico M. Rossi argues that the crisis of democracy is rooted not in mobilized masses or populism, but in economic elites, or oligarchy, that operate without accountability. While populism is often seen as the threat from below, the real issue lies in the persistent power dynamics of economic elites who manipulate state institutions for their gain.
Latin America’s struggle for democracy has historically been marked by inequality, where political representation remains superficial, and true citizenship is selectively practiced. The article posits that a republic should protect freedom against domination by both the state and private powers. However, significant inequality undermines this ideal, leaving many citizens dependent and vulnerable.
When institutions fail to represent the populace and justice favors the powerful, populism emerges as a reaction to these experiences of exclusion. Yet, populism often leads to the concentration of power, perpetuating a cycle of domination rather than resolving the underlying issues.
The authors highlight a deeper threat: republican backsliding, characterized by the erosion of impartial state institutions, a blurred line between public and private interests, and decreased bureaucratic integrity. This issue is not confined to Latin America; it can also be observed in Europe and other regions where elite control and technocratic governance suppress civic engagement and equality.
The article stresses the need to reinvigorate concepts like republic and oligarchy to address real challenges that have been overlooked. A truly democratic republic requires a strong state to protect rights against private power and ensure citizens have equal influence in public affairs. To protect democracy, it is crucial to confront the concentration of power and wealth that undermines it from within.
