Abstract
This chapter gathers the main contributions of the volume and contextualizes them in the framework of the regional process known as the ‘left turn’. It begins by recalling the beginning of this process in Venezuela and pointing out the most recurring critiques to this political shift. Next it presents a general balance of the Ecuadorian case, focusing on the following axes: the institutional reform and the strengthening of the State, the management of the bonanza and the economic policy, the weakening of democracy, the poor relationships with social organizations, the explanation the personalist functioning of the ruling party as a “State party”, and the capacity to create mobilizing and legitimizing political narratives. The chapter closes by explaining the foreign policy of the Citizens’ Revolution and the lack of effectiveness and efficiency of public policies, in spite of the political commitment and the material resources invested in those actions.
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Notes
- 1.
In his inauguration speech on January 15, 2007, Correa stated that “This historic moment for the country and the entire continent demands a new Constitution for the 21st century, to overcome neoliberal dogma and the plasticine democracies that subject people, lives, and societies to the exigencies of the market. The fundamental instrument for such change is the National Constituent Assembly”.
- 2.
In the Enlace Ciudadano broadcast of March 10, 2009, the president spoke for over ten minutes on impacts that the Gospel, committed religion, and religious missions in which he participated had had on his life. On the other hand, at the University of Oxford, Correa (2009b) presented a conference about his experience as a leftist christian in a secular world.
- 3.
“In the absence of motivated and cohesive societies, solid formal institutions, and the need to create values and attitudes that accelerate progress, the role of adequate leadership is fundamental. Leadership is simply the ability to influence others – it can be used to serve others, or be abused – which, unfortunately, has been common in Latin America, whenever strong leaders have appeared” (Correa 2009a, p. 195).
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Sánchez, F., Pachano, S. (2020). Conclusions: Assessing the Left Turn in Latin America—10 Years of the Correa Administration in Ecuador. In: Sánchez, F., Pachano, S. (eds) Assessing the Left Turn in Ecuador. Studies of the Americas. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-27625-6_15
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