“The Bolivia of Evo Morales and the MAS: Achievements and Challenges”

dublin | anti-capitalism | event notice Thursday October 27, 2011 16:47 by LASC - Venezuela Ireland Network info at lasc dot ie 5 Merrion Row, Dublin 2 01 6760435

talk by: Dr. John Crabtree, Oxford University Latin America Centre

The election of Evo Morales and the Movement Towards Socialism (MAS) party in Bolivia is leading to a transformation of the country. The constitution has been re-written and Bolivia re-founded as a “Plurinational State”; the government has taken control of natural resources, including gas and oil, and is spending increased income on social programmes to benefit Bolivia's poorest groups. Indigenous people are now participating at the highest levels of office and women are playing a key role in public administration.

Morales was re-elected in 2009 with an increased majority and a mandate to push forward with reforms. However, his government is now facing a number of key questions and conflicting demands: How to develop economically while protecting the environment and indigenous ways of life? How to meet the demands of powerful social movements as the defend interests of their members? How to diversify the Bolivian economy beyond reliance on a handful of raw materials? Dr John Crabtree is Research Associate in Latin American politics St. Anthony's College specialising in the Andean region. His recent publications include “Unresolved Tensions: Bolivia Past and Present” (2008, edited with Laurence Whitehead) and “Patterns of Protest: Politics and Social Movements in Bolivia” (2005). Followed by Questions and Answers with: Alex Tilley MA, Coordinator Bolivia Information Forum UK Venue: The Ireland Institute, The Pearse Centre, 27 Pearse Street, Dublin 2 Date & Time: Friday 4th November at 7:30pm Admission Free