Until the Rulers Obey: Voices from Latin American Social Movements

Detailing turn-of-the-21st-century social movements in Latin America, this book addresses the plight of long-marginalized segments of society, including indigenous people, students, and the LGBT community. Editors Ross (Translations from Silence) and Rein have compiled a collection of interviews from leaders and activists in 15 Latin American countries. The book is organized by country, each section beginning with analysis by a regional expert. This treasure trove of primary-source material conveys the strategies and tactics social movements have used with the so-called "Pink Tide" (or moderately leftist) governments that have come to power since the 1990s. While these states have appealed for broader participation and democratically approved constitutions, in reality they have tended to implement social policies that weaken the movements. None of the Pink Tide states have really addressed the roots of poverty or the environmental crises of a region where there is a relentless quest for natural resources by transnational corporations. This book fills a void in Latin American history coverage and does so with experts and the voices of grassroots activists.