Bolivia’s Backlash

Uncertainty looms over Bolivia again now that isolationist and populist politicians have taken over former President Gonzalo Sanchez de Lozada's post. Bolivia is the fourth country that has fallen victim to the trend in Latin America's political leadership of failing to complete presidential terms due to trying circumstances. His forced resignation, which followed violent clashes that left over 80 people dead, highlights conflicts over opening Bolivia's economy and exacerbates an already dangerous populist trend, says this editorial in the Washington Post. The Bolivian opposition obtained only 21% of votes in the last election, not a good sign for democracy or the construction of a consensus on Bolivia's economic management. - YaleGlobal