Bolivia: between a rock and a hard place

Abstract

The election in Bolivia in June 2002 revealed the plight of South America's poorest country trapped between the needs of its own population and external pressures to ‘modernise’ its economy in-line with overseas interests.

After years of experiencing the impact of neo-liberal reforms, ‘anti-system’ sentiments are starting to challenge the ability of traditional politicians to represent their interests.

The success of an outsider Eva Morales, holding a broadly socialist stance, represents a new departure for indigenous peoples who appear impatient with traditional political slogans. It holds the potential to unleash a new social dynamic into the political landscape of Bolivia, a landscape often compromised by outside interference and internal corruption.