ABSTRACT

The class struggle has taken different forms and directions, with greater or lesser intensity between countries and within countries in different time periods. In general terms, the countries with relative higher levels of urbanization and industrialization experience the greatest urban-centred struggles – as is the case with Argentina, Venezuela and Chile, though not with Brazil and Mexico. In Venezuela, urban class struggles have taken and are largely taking the form of community-based mobilizations in support of the government and its social welfare programme in opposition to US-backed coups. The class struggles in Paraguay, Peru and Mexico form a distinct cluster. Argentina's formidable trade unions in industry, services and transport have repeatedly demonstrated their capacity to successfully convoke general strikes over wages and employment. A new Right with distinctive characteristics and electoral support is emerging in Latin America. The large-scale class struggles from above and below that have reviewed and analysed a profound impact on regional and international alignments.