. A 1 page-long (minimum of 250 and maximum of 500 words) posting in response to the questions of the instructor. You must cite ( on the text) the sources used/consulted for the posting. The sources should include lectures, assigned readings, and other materials.

. A short (at least two sentences long) response to one of your classmate's postings.

Discussion Questions

In addition to political culture, other scholars have emphasized other variables to explain political instability and economic stagnation/underdevelopment. For example, poverty and inequality have placed a burden on the ability of these societies to consolidate stable democratic political systems and equitable economic growth/development. Also, the political exclusion or marginalization of certain social and economic sectors has not only impeded democratic governance but has led to forms of non-democratic governance, such as military rule and populism. Answer the following questions:

1. How does inequality and poverty contribute to violence and the emergence of non-democratic forms of governance.

2. Elaborate on the following--Does the historical evidence indicate democratic consolidation is not possible in Latin America and therefore the region is destined to move in cyclical between democracy, militarism and populism, e.t.c....?