“Latin American countries shared similar challenges after their transition to democracy.” Discuss with reference to two countries.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that Latin American countries shared similar challenges after their transition to democracy. Candidates may offer equal coverage of similarities and differences, or they may prioritize their discussion of one. However, both aspects will be a feature of the response. Candidates may refer to a variety of challenges, shared by most Latin American countries after transitioning to democracy, including: the problem of how to deal with the political influence of the military; the social and economic legacy of the outgoing regime (including debt); or the issue of confronting past human rights violations and promoting justice. Candidates can also refer to specific national challenges to be faced, including the social, economic and diplomatic impact of war, for the case of Argentina; the issue of incorporating minorities into the political process, for the case of Bolivia; or discussions over the role of the Church in politics, for the case of Chile. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The prompt that Latin American countries shared similar challenges after they transitioned to democracy was rarely selected.