ABSTRACT
Since obtaining national independence in 1821, Peru has navigated a tortuous path to achieve democracy. Political instability, military regimes, and authoritarian governments have characterized most of Peru’s history as a republic. The return to democratic politics in 1980 created an opening for lasting democratic rule; unfortunately, the combination of severe economic crisis, internal conflict, and the authoritarian inclinations of President Alberto Fujimori ended this moment. Peruvians are still divided by the legacy of Alberto Fujimori’s government, a highly controversial elected regime that provided the benefits of pacification and economic stabilization on the one hand, but autocratic governance and pervasive corruption on the other. After his fall in 2000 and five consecutive democratic elections, Peru seems to have overcome its authoritarian legacy. However, challenges stemming from the lack of political parties, the self-serving behavior of elected leaders, and a flawed institutional design have fostered political dysfunction that puts the continuation of democratic rule at risk. While the 2021 presidential election marks a milestone in Peruvian politics, its aftermath has brought worrying levels of political polarization. The pandemic and its effects have also paused the important progress that Peru has made in reducing poverty and achieving modernity. While the continuation of democracy needs to be celebrated, its future is by no means guaranteed.
