Abstract
This paper examines the relationship between neoliberalism and patterns of violence in Latin American cities. I argue that those neoliberal policies which have so impacted key agricultural and manufacturing sectors in Latin America also disrupt economically-driven social relations, making that the region’s transition to democracy a violent one. Although transitions from authoritarianism to democracy as a whole remove old relations between the government and the public, the criminalization of poverty as created and perpetuated by neoliberal ideology leads to higher rates of incarceration while colluding with criminal organizations in order to avoid lengthy and expensive urban renewal programs. When forced to confront any such collusion, states often turn to extrajudicial killings and widespread punitive measures. However, this is perhaps beginning to change. In selected case studies, the author analyzes the benefits and potential future of community-based policing in response to the challenges faced by Venezuela, Mexico, and Brazil in tackling these issues.
First Advisor
Professor Nick Kontogeorgopoulos
Second Advisor
Professor Brad Dillman
Degree Type
Thesis
Language
English
Rights
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts in International Political Economy
Department
International Political Economy
Date of Award
Spring 5-17-2015
Institution
University of Puget Sound
Recommended Citation
Estevao, Max, "“There is No Difference:” Neoliberalism and Latin American (Police) State Legitimacy" (2015). International Political Economy Theses. 15.
https://soundideas.pugetsound.edu/ipe_theses/15
Included in
International Economics Commons, Other Political Science Commons, Political Economy Commons