ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the conflict between three models of government in the area: the traditional "living museum" form; liberal democracy; "delegative democracy," a form of populism that at its extreme might better be considered "semi-authoritarian" instead of democratic. Latin America had earlier periods of democratic rule. As the democratic wave arrived in Latin America, difficulties came from six sources: the Iberian tradition and history, the misuse of "democracy" before the 1980s, pockets of underdevelopment, inequities of income distribution, the aftereffects of recent civil wars, and the absence of governments. Philippe Schmitter and Terry Lynn Karl also suggest that elections are not the only criterion for liberal democracy. If liberal democracy, delegative democracy, or semi-authoritarianism has become the dominant system, new paradigms for interpreting Latin America must be developed. If Latin American sources are consulted, often information comes from both governments and their opposition and is intentionally reported incorrectly.
