Latin American leftward shifts relate to local drivers

Significance

The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the failings of centre-right governments in protecting living standards. However, the left in different countries is far from a uniform force.

Impacts

• The scope for left-wing radicalism in Latin American is limited, with Venezuela and Cuba losing influence in the region.
• The weakening of political parties in the region produces more diffuse, less ideological currents.
• Moves towards the centre may generate new splits among left-wing parties.