ABSTRACT
This chapter explores how and why democracy became the norm across Latin America from the end of the 1970s following years of rule by authoritarian governments. A shift towards the political left in much of Latin America since democratic politics took hold has been marked by state policies aimed at fostering greater equality and justice that reflect social-democratic priorities. Analyses of democratization in Latin America have often focused upon elite choices, co-operation or conflict. Most of the transitions that occurred in the region took the form of agreements or pacts between political and economic elites both within and outside the authoritarian regime. Authoritarian regimes often had difficulties making their rule appear legitimate, that is, based on consent, which is crucial for ensuring political stability and so maintaining power. Since the 1990s, the Organization of American States (OAS) has played an increasingly prominent role in promoting democratic governance within Latin America, particularly under its general secretary José Miguel Insulza.
