Washington, D.C.
November 6, 2007

Latin American populism has now taken a radical turn. To analyze the roots of this phenomenon, and its staying power, Hudson Institute's Center for Latin American Studies, in conjunction withIFPA, hosted a conference with leading experts in the field.  How are leaders of the radical brand, namely Hugo Chavez and Evo Morales, coining the populist image and using it to their advantage? Could this resurgent populism be replicated elsewhere in Latin America?   Is there a distinctly Latin response to the challenge of populism?

Keynote Address
"Populism in the World Today," by Dr. Francis Fukuyama

Francis Fukuyama, a professor of international political economy at the School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), John Hopkins University, is author of several books, including the bestselling The End of History and the Last Man.

Panel Discussion

Chaired by Jorge Gestoso, award-winning journalist, president of Gestoso Television News, and former chief Latin American anchor for CNN.

Panelists

Professor Aníbal Romero, "The Chavez Revolution." Aníbal Romero, a professor of political theory at Simon Bolivar University in Caracas, Venezuela, has published various books and articles on Venezuelan politics and Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez.

Dr. Julio Cirino, "Populism and Violence: Argentina and Beyond." Julio Cirino is a historian, journalist, and director of international relations with the Fundacion Pensar in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He has published numerous articles and books on Latin American politics, international relations, and security affairs.

Closing Keynote Address
"Mexico: Old and New Populism," by Dr. Luis Rubio

Luis Rubio, president of the Center of Research for Development in Mexico City, is a prolific writer on Mexico as well as on Latin American economies. Rubio has served as a fellow on the CSIS Mexico and Americas program and as an adviser to Mexico's secretary of the treasury.