Apr 25
FORO LatinoAmericano 2025
The 2025 Foro Latinoamericano will examine the “new polarization” in Latin America, focusing on how democracies in the region are becoming more divisive and confrontational, threatening democratic institutions. Contemporary polarization differs from that of the 1960s and 70s, which was often between non-democratic actors, whereas now it typically occurs between rivals within the democratic arena. This new polarization is marked by a shift from primarily ideological conflicts to those with affective and cultural components, centered on "us versus them" identities, at both the elite and mass levels. Participants will present new research on the various factors contributing to its development, including elite strategies, social mobilization, and the role of anti-partisanship. They will also consider the ways in which the new polarization presents a threat to democracy, potentially leading to democratic backsliding and the use of undemocratic methods.
Friday, April 25
- 4:30 p.m. — Welcome with Provost & VP Michelle Mattson followed by Populism, Polarization & Democracy in Latin America with Santiago Anria, Cornell University, and Kenneth Roberts, Cornell University. The talk will be followed by dinner.
Saturday, April 26
- 8:30 a.m. — Breakfast
- 9:00 a.m. — Tweeting Antagonism: (De)Polarizing Rhetoric & Tone in Colombia's 2022 Presidential Campaign with Sandra Botero, University of Notre Dame and Universidad del Rosario (Colombia)
- 10:45 a.m. — Depolarizing Politics & Remaking Democracy with Jennifer McCoy, Georgia State University and Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
- 12:30 p.m. — Lunch
- 1:00 p.m. — Panel Discussion with Santiago Anria, Sandra Botero, Jennifer McCoy, Al Montero (Carleton College), Kenneth Roberts, and Orçun Selçuk (Luther College)