Politics is the structured set of political activities which are typically related to the distribution of status or resources amongst people, including the allocation of public goods or services. The department of social science that studies government and politics is known as political science. Politics and political scientists have spent many years trying to understand why some societies develop political systems and how politics impacts the processes of governance. In today’s world it appears that human societies are increasingly living through a complex system of government that is based on ethnicity, group identity and religious beliefs.
Why does politics impact our daily lives? Humans have been influencing politics for thousands of years, but politics has only become a truly global issue in the last century or so. Throughout most of history, politics remained localized to isolated communities. Nations were created out of tribal societies and warlord lords controlled local populations by taking control of resources. This was the norm for much of human history until the advent of modernity.
Politics became more complex in the modern era as urbanization and industrialization caused migration and conflict. Nations began to develop political and economic institutions, and politics became a central role in the lives of all nations. Industrialization and immigration also led to political change and the establishment of national governments in developed nations. Modernity also introduced the idea of a universal welfare state and a political system based on entitlements and wealth.
Developing nations have had a difficult time politically representing their interests since the days of their independence. However, the development of South America and the later Latin American countries changed the face of politics forever. These countries successfully implemented a participative model of politics, with strong representation from women at every level of government. Latin America’s growth as a progressive society was greatly contributed to the rise of Latin American political parties.
Latin American nations succeeded in building strong durable political institutions because they followed a model that combined a participative approach to politics with development. The Latin American nations implemented a developmental agenda that included economic growth, social progress, and political stability. The governments pursued this agenda in a manner similar to other mature societies that had successfully moved from autocratic rule to constitutional monarchical rule. Latin American countries succeeded in building stable societies because they were able to balance between their desire for development with the necessity to maintain social order. Latin America is still one of the fastest-growing regions in terms of GDP growth, and it now stands out as a leader in terms of political stability.
Politics is not an easy field to understand and is far too complex to be represented by any single political party. Latin American nations thrive on vibrant debate between differing perspectives. Latin American politics presents an interesting contrast between a participative model where citizens are active participants in politics, and autocratic rule where elected officials enforce a policy through the use of force. Latin American nations have experienced a long history of transition, and they are used to changes in leadership.
Latin American nations have also experienced a long history of revolution, and Latin American societies are built on a base of strong commitment to community and religion. Latin American leaders have successfully balanced their commitment to social progress with strong conservative viewpoints on national security. Latin American politics is unique in its commitment to free market capitalism, and Latin American leaders have taken a strong stance against free trade policies in the past decade. Latin American nations thrive on transparency in government and an open society, and they have achieved a high degree of economic growth despite historical constraints. Latin American nations are now providing the world with a platform for economic development through economic growth and globalization.
Latin American nations have come a long way in the past century, and they continue to make significant contributions to the world. Latin American politicians have proven that a vibrant and pro- democracy political system provides the basis for economic dynamism and growth that other nations can only dream about. Latin American politics offers a unique opportunity for any nation that wishes to improve its standing in the international community by participating in international politics. Participating in Latin American politics offers many positive benefits, and it is a worthwhile endeavor for every nation that wishes to participate.