Thomas J. D’Agostino

Democratic consolidation (the process by which emerging democracies ensure their citizens’ ability to participate in and be represented by the government) in Latin America will require overcoming several obstacles, Thomas J. D’Agostino maintains in the following viewpoint. He argues that government corruption, autonomous militaries, and a non-democratic past are key reasons why establishing strong and broad democracies has been difficult in Latin America. D’Agostino contends that Latin American political parties can help provide stability if the political and economic desires of their supporters are fulfilled. D’Agostino is an assistant professor of political science at Siena College in Loudonville, New York.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What has shaken popular support for democracy in Brazil and Venezuela, according to the...