Abstract, The Demobilization of Civil Society Posttraumatic Memory in the Reconstruction of Chilean Democracy

:::::: Abstract ::::::

The Demobilization of Civil Society
Posttraumatic Memory in the Reconstruction of Chilean Democracy
Camila Jara Ibarra                                                                   


The return of democracy in Chile was characterized by the fragmentation, weakening, and crisis of social movements, which were barely present in decision making and defining the national political agenda in the postdictatorship period. Of the multiple factors that contributed to this demobilization, an important one was the influence of the collective trauma inherited from previous decades. In time, however, posttraumatic memory contributed to the generation of new identities and inputs for the collective action of the 2011 protest cycle.

Abstract, The Demobilization of Civil Society Posttraumatic Memory in the Reconstruction of Chilean Democracy

:::::: Abstract ::::::

The Demobilization of Civil Society
Posttraumatic Memory in the Reconstruction of Chilean Democracy
Camila Jara Ibarra                                                                   


The return of democracy in Chile was characterized by the fragmentation, weakening, and crisis of social movements, which were barely present in decision making and defining the national political agenda in the postdictatorship period. Of the multiple factors that contributed to this demobilization, an important one was the influence of the collective trauma inherited from previous decades. In time, however, posttraumatic memory contributed to the generation of new identities and inputs for the collective action of the 2011 protest cycle.

Political Report # 1128 Presidential Elections 2016: The Revolt of the Masses By James Petras

Introduction             The presidential elections of 2016 have several unique characteristics that defy common wisdom about political practices in 21st century America.             Clearly the established political machinery - party elites and their corporate backers -have (in part) lost control of the nomination process and confront ‘unwanted’ candidates who are campaigning with programs and pronouncements that polarize the electorate.             But there are other more specific factors, which have energized the electorate and speak to recent US history.  These portend and reflect a realignment of US politics.             In this essay, we will outline these changes and their larger consequences for the future of American politics.             We will examine how these factors affect each of the two major parties.

Political Report # 1126 Responding to Clinton Barb, Sanders Blasts US Imperialism in Latin America By Deirdre Fulton, Common Dreams

Wednesday's debate raised questions about the Democratic candidates' records in Latin America. (Photo: YouTube) By Deirdre Fulton, Common Dreams

Hillary Clinton's interventionist record in Latin America is being called into question after Wednesday night's Democratic presidential debate saw her and rival Bernie Sanders sparring over the U.S.'s role in the region.   "Is Hillary Clinton a credible voice for condemning support for despots and human rights abusers?" -Glenn Greenwald, The Intercept   When asked about his past support for Latin American leaders Daniel Ortega in Nicaragua and Fidel Castro in Cuba, and to explain "the difference between the socialism that you profess and the socialism in Nicaragua, Cuba, and Venezuela," Sanders declared:   What that was about was saying that the United States was wrong to try to invade Cuba, that the United States was wrong trying to support people to overthrow the Nicaraguan government, that the United States was wrong trying to overthrow in 1954, the government -- democratically elected government of Guatemala.

Political Report # 1119 Presidential Elections 2016: The Revolt of the Masses by James Petras, LAP Editor

Introduction             The presidential elections of 2016 have several unique characteristics that defy common wisdom about political practices in 21st century America.             Clearly the established political machinery - party elites and their corporate backers -have (in part) lost control of the nomination process and confront 'unwanted' candidates who are campaigning with programs and pronouncements that polarize the electorate.             But there are other more specific factors, which have energized the electorate and speak to recent US history.  These portend and reflect a realignment of US politics.             In this essay, we will outline these changes and their larger consequences for the future of American politics.             We will examine how these factors affect each of the two major parties.