Political Processes and the Reconfiguration of the State in Bolivia

Abstract

The indigenous social movements that propelled Evo Morales and the Movimiento al Socialismo (Movement Toward Socialism—MAS) into power in Bolivia questioned the legitimacy of the nation-state, its territorial configuration, and its system of political representation. The MAS, rather than responding to these concerns, is attempting to balance indigenous demands with those of the dominant and still powerful landowning class in a new configuration of the state. As part of this process indigenous leaders have been co-opted into municipal administration, which has subordinated their organizations to the state and the established system of party politics. The constituent assembly that created the constitution adopted in 2009 failed to democratize property and control over natural resources as indigenous peoples have been demanding since 2000.