The drivers of revolutionary movements and change differ among countries in Latin America, such as in Mexico, Cuba and Nicaragua.  However, there are some common features that explain why violence and revolutionary governments emerge.  Also, revolutionary violence often did not lead to the consolidation of revolutionary governments.  In the post-Cold War period, with the exception of Cuba, revolutionary governments began a tumultuous process of democratic transition that led to very imperfect democracies, including the rise of caudillismo – Mexico being somewhat at outlier, at least until the rise of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.  Answer the following questions:

1. What are the common drivers of revolutionary change and why are there such few examples of consolidation of revolutionary governments (Mexico, Cuba and Nicaragua being the exceptions?

2. Mexico and Nicaragua democratized but Cuba did not. What variables explains Cuba’s resistance to democratic change?

3. What are the challenges to consolidating democratic rule in post-revolutionary governments?

• 350 – 500 words
• You must cite (on the text) the sources used/consulted
• MUST use ALL FIVE attached files as sources

1)

First, read a news story from the newspaper or the Internet.  Answer the following questions regarding your news story: 1) What is the main issue, who are the main actors being discussed;

Second, choose one of the assigned articles you read for this week.  Answer the following questions regarding the assigned article: 1) What are the basics of this article (who, what, when, how, why, etc.);  2) What is the overall main point the author is trying to convince you of?  3) Do you agree with the author’s argument?  Why?  Why not?

Finally, tie together your news story with what you learned from the assigned article, textbook readings, podcasts, videos, etc. for this week.  Type your answers using your own words, no outline or bullets, complete sentences and paragraphs, single-spaced, full-page.

2)Do you think the political system of federalism was a good or bad idea for the United States?  Tell me why you feel this way.  Write your thoughts here.  You should write about 1 paragraph (75 words).  You should also write replies to other people’s posts on the discussion board.  Please be respectful of other people’s opinions.  This is meant to be an interactive and lively discussion between students.