The LATIN AMERICA AND CENTRAL ASIA IN THE CONTEXT OF GLOBAL POLITICAL TENSIONS: POPULISM AND POLARIZATION

Abstract

The article analyzes the genesis of political regimes in Latin America and their polarization during the period of waves of populism. In the twentieth century, the countries acutely experienced two waves of populism, which coincided with the historical periods of political transitions of the change of power, namely, the transition from oligarchy to mass politics, from authoritarian regimes to democracy, which subsequently created the solid ground for neoliberal reforms. The article notes the left-populist regimes and their anti-elitist orientation, and also analyzes that weak institutionalization, class orientation and a high level of polarization of left-wing populism after the consequences of COVID-19 will finally lead to an institutional crisis, a violation and lose of the balances and a straight shift to competitive authoritarianism in the future.