Abstract
Despite the recent shift to democratic regimes and market-based economies, in many Latin American countries the military retains important economic roles as owner, manager, and stakeholder in economic enterprises. Such military entrepreneurship poses a challenge to the development of democratic civil-military relations and, by extension, to the development of liberal democracy in the region. While scholars have noted this situation with concern, they have given little attention to distinguishing the different types of military entrepreneurship, which reflect distinct historical patterns and implications. This article identifies two major types of military entrepreneurs in Latin America: industrializers, determined to build national defense capabilities and compete for international prestige; and nation builders, seeking to promote economic development that can foster social development and cohesion. Case studies of Argentina, Brazil, Cuba, and Ecuador demonstrate important differences between these two types in their origins, paths, and political consequences.
Repository Citation
Mani, Kristina. Fall 2011. "Military Entrepreneurs: Patterns In Latin America." Latin American Politics And Society 53(3): 25-55.
Publisher
Wiley-Blackwell
Publication Date
Fall 1-1-2011
Publication Title
Latin American Politics and Society
Department
Politics
Document Type
Article
DOI
https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1548-2456.2011.00124.x
Document Version
pre-print
Language
English
Format
text
