| Popis: |
This chapter focuses on the actors of the armed struggle option of Latin American social movements, la via armada. Starting from a discussion of the main theories of Revolution, revolutionary movements and social revolutions, it passes to the more modern concept of revolutions “with a small r” that is gaining prominence in the theory and practice of revolutionary movements in contemporary Latin America. Then, it moves on to present the social (class, gender) and educational background of the guerrilleras/guerrilleros, both leaders and grassroots, the main strategies that have been elaborated and followed by Latin American guerrillas, and how they have evolved in time through trial and error (from foquismo, to the prolonged people’s war, and the Chilean road to socialism). It also analyzes some particularly interesting and unlikely cases of Latin American revolutionaries: poets, priests, and military men. In addition it traces the sources of inspiration and resonance of revolutionary movements and the role of other Latin American states, especially Cuba, in their development. The chapter concludes by arguing that while it seems the age of Latin American Revolutions with a capital R is coming to an end, we may be entering an age of revolutions (with a small r, following John Holloway) in which Revolution has changed meaning, becoming more of a political process, and not so much of a political event. |
