MSU faculty member examines Latin America and the COVID-19 pandemic
by Sam Kealhofer, Intern on the A&S Research Support Team
Department of Political Science and Public Administration assistant professor Vasabjit Banerjee and honors college graduate Marisa D. Laudadio collaborated on an essay entitled “Praetorians in the time of Pandemic: Militaries in Latin American Populist Regimes,” which was recently published by Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs in its Journal of International Affairs.
The essay explores pressures the COVID-19 pandemic has forced on Latin American countries such as Brazil, Mexico and El Salvador. Specifically, it examines the relationship between these countries’ elected officials and their own internal military complexes. Banerjee suggests these countries’ increased reliance on military action in domestic affairs and administrative duties could lead to the military forces gaining a foothold in the countries’ political spheres.
Banerjee’s work highlights America’s role in these power struggles. Banerjee explains that although America is “regarded as the main foreign power that has the potential to oppose these militaries return to politics,” the Obama and Trump administrations have tacitly accepted regional militaries’ political roles because it serves American foreign policy goals.
Ultimately, the situation strains the democratic process in Latin America as internal pressures, the COVID-19 pandemic and foreign actors like the U.S. support or accept regional militaries’ increasing role in politics.
Banerjee and Laudadio are currently writing a more in-depth scholarly journal article focusing on Central American countries.
In an effort to contribute insight and solutions to the various challenges facing the nation, the College of Arts & Sciences will continue to highlight faculty research in our "Research In The Headlines" series each Monday and Wednesday. For more research in the headlines, visit https://www.cas.msstate.edu/research/researchintheheadlines/; and for information about the College of Arts & Sciences or the Department of Political Science and Public Administration visit www.cas.msstate.edu or https://www.pspa.msstate.edu/.