Lula: The End of Latin American Populism?

Whether authoritarian or democratic, rightist or leftist, populism has been the most pervasive political ideology in Latin American politics for nearly a century. Yet populist leaders, while extremely effective at attracting mass support, have also contributed decisively to the region's failure to develop economically and politically. Populism, especially when practiced by undemocratic leaders, has been one of the biggest impediments to the adoption of policies that these countries need to meet their peoples' aspirations for …

…rollary to the president-elect's dilemma. If da Silva follows his old populist ideas, Brazil's crisis will surely become so awful that the populist dictates will be severely discredited. If, however, he does what it takes to save Brazil from this nightmare and return it to healthy economic growth, populism will also be disgraced. The international community, especially the U.S., must help President Lula--with generous financial support--to become the unwitting hangman of Latin American populism.