The Enduring Significance of Democratic Moments in 20th-Century Mexico, Guatemala, and Chile

My presentation brings back to life the value and vibrancy of three significant democratic moments in 20th-century Mexico, Guatemala, and Chile. In Mexico, under Lázaro Cárdenas between 1934 and 1940, in Guatemala during the presidency of Jacobo Árbenz between 1951 and 1954, and in Chile during the years of Salvador Allende's presidency between 1970 and 1973, the popular imagination was transformed. These periods witnessed the blooming of democratic forms of participation supported on mass mobilization and transformational policies and leadership that changed the view of democracy in the region and beyond. Across these democratic moments, people experienced intense democratization, the expansion of citizenship and ambitious series of reforms, including the expansion of voting rights, participatory processes encouraging public debate, labor protections, and land reforms that sought to give millions of people better living conditions. My presentation highlights the contributions of each of these moments to nurture the tradition of radical democracy in ways that show renewed significance for us today. They serve as enduring inspirations and living embodiments of the transformative power of democracy, reminding us of the potential for collective action and inclusive governance.