Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-p9bg8 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-23T07:38:59.344Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

The Emerging New Politics of Liberalizing Paraguay: Sustained Civil-Military Control without Democracy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Paul C. Sondrol
Paul C. Sondrol*
Affiliation:
University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (CO)
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Extract

The Process of the transition from authoritarianism to more representative forms of government has become a major subject of the scholarship on Latin American politics today (O'Donnell, et al, 1986; Malloy and Seligson, 1987; Stepan, 1989; Diamond et al, 1988-1990; Lowenthal, 1991). Given this interest, as expressed by the growing literature in this area, little attention has been paid to the transition process now going on in Paraguay, which is now emerging from one of Latin America's most long-standing authoritarian regimes.

A number of studies testify to the authoritarian nature of Paraguay's government and society. Johnson indicates that Paraguay ranked either 18th or 19th—out of 20 Latin American nations ... in 9 successive surveys of democratic development, carried out at 5-year intervals from 1945 to 1985 (Jonnson> 1988). A longitudinal study of press freedom found that Paraguay was invariably placed in the category of “poor,” or even “none,” between 1945-1975 (Hill and Hurley, 1980). When Palmer applied his 5 indicators of authoritarianism (nonelective rule, coups, primacy of the military, military rule, executive predominance) to the countries of Latin America, Paraguay consistently ranked first in its degree of authoritarianism (Palmer, 1977).

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Interamerican Studies and World Affairs , Volume 34 , Issue 2 , Summer 1992 , pp. 127 - 164
Copyright
Copyright © University of Miami 1992

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Abente, D. (1991) Author conversation with Paraguayan scholar, Diego Abente, Washington (DC), 14 November.Google Scholar
Abente, D. (1988) “Constraints and Oportunities: Prospects for Democratization in Paraguay.” Journal of Interamerican Studies and World Affairs 31, 1 (Spring): 73–104.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Acevedo, E. and Rodriguez, J.C. (1986) Manifesto Democratico: Una propuesta para el cambio. Asunciön, Paraguay: Editorial Araverá.Google Scholar
Amnesty International (1977) Report of an Amnesty International Mission to Argentina, 6-15 November 1976. London, England: Amnesty International.Google Scholar
Amnesty International (1974) Chile: An Amnesty International Report. London, England: Amnesty International.Google Scholar
Arizona Daily Star (Tucson) (1989) “Paraguayan General Forces Arrest of Stroessner's Allies.” (5 February): 11.Google Scholar
Baloyra, E. (ed.) (1987) Comparing New Democracies. Boulder, CO: Westview Press.Google Scholar
Bobadilla, G. M. (1991) Author interview with the First Secretary of the Paraguayan Mission to the Organization of American States, Washington (DC), 12 November.Google Scholar
Bouvier, V. (1988) Decline of the Dictator: Paraguay at a Cross-roads. Washington, DC: Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA).Google Scholar
Campos, L. (1986) “Expansióny crísis del neoliberalismo económico Paraguayo (1956-1986),” pp. 203–214 in Economía Paraguaya (Tomo I). Asunciön, Paraguay: Centro Paraguayo de Estudios Sociológicos (CPES).Google Scholar
Carothers, T. (1991) In the Name of Democracy: US Policy toward Latin America in the Reagan Years. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Carranza, M. (1978) Fuerzas Armadas y Estado de Excepción en America Latina. Mexico (DF), Mexico: Siglo XXI.Google Scholar
Carter, M. (1990) “The Role of the Paraguayan Catholic Church in the Downfall of the Stroessner Regime.” Journal of Interameri-can Studies and World Affairs 32, 4 (Winter): 67–121.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Chaves, C. (1946) El Supremo Dictador. Buenos Aires, Argentina: Ayachuco.Google Scholar
Codas, R. (1981) “Structural Change in Paraguay Threatens Old Order.” Washington Report on the Hemisphere 1, 10 (24 February): 1, 2, 6.Google Scholar
Council on Hemispheric Affairs (COHA) (1980) “Paraguayan Dictator Using Somoza Assassination as Excuse for Round-Up of Opposition in Paraguay.” Washington Report on the Hemisphere 1, 1 GO September): 4, 6.Google Scholar
Dahl, R. (1971) Polyarchy. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press.Google Scholar
Diamond, L., Unz, J. and Upset, S. (eds.) (1990) Politics in Developing Countries: Comparing Experiences with Democracy. Boulder, CO: Lynne Rienner Publishers.Google Scholar
Diamond, L., Unz, J. and Upset, S. (eds.) (1988-1990) Democracy in Developing Countries (4 vols.). Boulder, CO: Lynne Rienner Publishers.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Domecq, M., and Francisco, R. (1986) “La inflación en 1985 según indicadores,” pp. 83–89 in Economia Paraguaya 1985. Asunciön, Paraguay: Centro Paraguayo de Estudios Sociológicos (CPES).Google Scholar
Duarte Prado, B. (1959) Bosquejo de la Doctrina del Partido Colorado. Asunciön, Paraguay: Partido Colorado.Google Scholar
(The) Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU) (1991) EIU Country Report No. 1: Uruguay/Paraguay. London, England: EIU Ltd.Google Scholar
English, A. (1988) “Paraguay,” pp. 219–229 in Regional Defense Profile No. 1: Latin America. London, England: Jane's Publishing Co. Google Scholar
Fernandez Estigarribia, J. and Simon, J. G. (1987) La sociedad internacional y el Estado y el Estado autoritario del Paraguay. Asunciön, Paraguay: Editorial Aravarl.Google Scholar
Foreign Broadcast Information Service-Latin America (FBIS-LAT) (1991a) “Rodriguez on Reelection, Municipal Elections.” (Asunciön ABC COLOR, 25 June) FBIS-LAT-91-123,26 June: 25.Google Scholar
Foreign Broadcast Information Service-Latin America (FBIS-LAT) (1991b) “Rodriguez on Elections; Minister on Reshuffle.” (Asunciön RPC Telvision Network, 23 May) FBIS-LAT-9M00, 23 May: 26.Google Scholar
Foreign Broadcast Information Service-Latin America (FBIS-LAT) (1991c) “Human Rights Report Praises Political Transition” (Asunciön HOY, 13 April) FBIS-LAT-91-072, 15 April: 37.Google Scholar
Foreign Broadcast Information Service-Latin America (FBIS-LAT) (1990a) “General Urges Development of Democratic Mentality” (Asunciön ABC COLOR, 1 November) FBIS-LAT-90-214, 5 November: 58.Google Scholar
Foreign Broadcast Information Service-Latin America (FBIS-LAT) (1990b) “Executive Branch Reports on Foreign Debt” (Asunciön ABC COLOR, 26 October) FBIS-LAT-90-214, 5 November: 57–58.Google Scholar
Foreign Broadcast Information Service-Latin America (FBIS-LAT) (1990c) “Calvary Commander Advocates Democratic Process” (Asunciön HOY, 28 October) FBIS-LAT-90-211, 31 October: 28.Google Scholar
Foreign Broadcast Information Service-Latin America (FBIS-LAT) (1990d) “Commander Garcete Discusses Role of Armed Forces.” FBIS-LAT-90-148, 1 August: 48.Google Scholar
Foreign Broadcast Information Service-Latin America (FBIS-LAT) (1990e) “Argana Criticizes Corruption in Central Offices” (Asunciön ABC COLOR, 30 July) FBIS-LAT-90-147, 31 July: 30.Google Scholar
Foreign Broadcast Information Service-Latin America (FBIS-LAT) (1989a) “'Formal Split’ Marked in Colorado Party.” FBIS-LAT-89-232, 5 December: 37.Google Scholar
Foreign Broadcast Information Service-Latin America (FBIS-LAT) (1989b) “Colonel's Speech Endorses Military-Civilian Unity.” FBIS-LAT-89-230, 1 December: 38.Google Scholar
Foreign Broadcast Information Service-Latin America (FBIS-LAT) (1989c) “Military Chiefs Voice ‘Concern’ on Democracy.” FBIS-LAT-89-183, 22 September: 33.Google Scholar
Foreign Broadcast Information Service-Latin America (FBIS-LAT) (1989d) “Generals Held under House Arrest at Military Unit” and “List of New Military Commanders Issued” FBIS-LAT-89-108, 7 June: 58-59.Google Scholar
Foreign Broadcast Information Service-Latin America (FBIS-LAT) (1989e) “Rebel Statement Broadcast.” FBIS-LAT-89-022, 3 February: 28.Google Scholar
Foster, G. (1963) “The Dyadic Contract in Tzintzuntzan II: Patron-Client Relationships.” American Anthropologist 65 (December): 1281–1294.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Helfeld, D. and Wipfler, W. (1980) Mbarate: The Higher Law of Paraguay. New York, NY: International League for Human Rights.Google Scholar
Hicks, F. (1971) “Interpersonal Relationships and Caudillismo in Paraguay.” Journal of Interamerican Studies and World Affairs 13, 1 (January): 89–111.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Hicks, F. (1967) “Politics, Power, and the Role of the Village Priest in Paraguay.” Journal of Interamerican Studies and World Affairs 9, 2 (April): 273–282.Google Scholar
Hill, K. and Hurley, P. (1980) “Freedom of the Press in Latin America.” Latin American Research Review 15, 2: 212–218.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Hilton, I. (1990) “The General.” Granta 31: 11–83.Google Scholar
Horowitz, I. (1982) Beyond Empire and Revolution. Militarization and Consolidation in the Third World. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.Google Scholar
Huntington, S. (1968) Political Order in Changing Societies. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press.Google Scholar
International Monetary Fund (IMF) (1985) “Paraguay — Recent Economic Developments,” pp. 87–120 in International Monetary Fund. Washington, DC: IMF.Google Scholar
Johnson, K. (1988) “Measuring the Scholarly Image of Latin American Democracy,” p. 198 in Wilkie, James (ed.) Statistical Abstracts of Latin America 26. Los Angeles, CA: UCLA Latin American Center.Google Scholar
Karl, T. (1991) “Dilemmas of Democratization in Latin America,” pp. 163–191 in Rustow, Dankwart and Erickson, Kenneth (eds.) Comparative Political Dynamics. New York, NY: Harper Collins Publishers.Google Scholar
Kounski, C. (1965) Independence or Death! The Story of the Paraguay War. Gainesville, FL: University of Florida Press.Google Scholar
Laino, D. (1979) Paraguay: Represion, Estafa y Anticomunismo. Asuncion, Paraguay: Ediciones Cerro Cora.Google Scholar
Latin American Regional Report/Southern Cone (LARR-SC) (1985) “Acuerdo Nacional Riding High.” RS-85-04 (24 May): 7.Google Scholar
Latin American Studies Association (LASA) (1989) “The May 1, 1989 Elections in Paraguay: Toward a New Era of Democracy?” (Report by the International Commission of the Latin American Studies Association to Observe the Paraguayan Elections). LASA FORUM XX, 3 (Fall): 39–48.Google Scholar
Latin American Weekly Report (LAWR) (1992a) “Paraguay's Assem-bly Asserts Itself.” WR-92-22 (11 June): 6-7.Google Scholar
Latin American Weekly Report (LAWR) (1992b) “Paraguayan Military Defend Right to be Members of Ruling Colorado Party.” WR-92-10 (12 March): 1.Google Scholar
Latin American Weekly Report (LAWR) (1991a) “Paraguay.” WR-91-50 (26 December): 4.Google Scholar
Latin American Weekly Report (LAWR) (1991b) “Colorados Easily Swept the Board.” WR-91-48 (12 December): 10.Google Scholar
Latin American Weekly Report (LAWR) (1991c) “Rodriguez Shakes Up High Command.” WR-91-47 (5 December): 2.Google Scholar
Latin American Weekly Report (LAWR) (1991d) “Hollow Victory for the ‘Traditionalists'.” WR-91-40 (17 October): 10–11.Google Scholar
Latin American Weekly Report (LAWR) (1991e) “Paraguay's Ruling Party Defies President to Stage Unruly Assembly.” WR-91-29 (1 August): 1.Google Scholar
Latin American Weekly Report (LAWR) (1991f) “Colorados and Main Opposition Parties Receive a Shock in Paraguay's Polls.” WR-91-21 (6 June): 1.Google Scholar
Latin American Weekly Report (LAWR) (1991g) “Rodriguez Sets Limits on Democracy.” WR-91-07 (21 February): 4.Google Scholar
Latin American Weekly Report (LAWR) (1990) “Paraguay: Lower Inflation and Slower Growth.” WR-90-47 (6 December): 2.Google Scholar
Latin American Weekly Report (LAWR) (1989) “Generals Break their Silence.” WR-89-40 (12 October): 11.Google Scholar
Latin American Weekly Report (LAWR) (1987) “Militantes Gain Control of Party.” WR-87-31 (13 August): 3.Google Scholar
Levy, D. (1990) “Mexico: Sustained Civilian Rule without Democracy,” pp. 135–173 in Diamond, L., Linz, J., and Lipset, S. (eds.) Politics in Developing Countries: Comparing Experiences with Democracy. Boulder, CO: Lynne Rienner Publishers.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Lewis, P. (1980) Paraguay Under Stroessner. Chapel Hill, NC: University of North Carolina Press.Google Scholar
Lezcano, G. C. (1986) “Lealtad al General-Presidente” (ISEC 6). Asunciön, Paraguay: Investigaci6nes Sociales Educacion Comunicaci6n.Google Scholar
LINZ,J. (1975) “Totalitarian and Authoritarian Regimes,” pp. 175–411 in Greenstein, F. and Polsby, N. (eds.) Handbook of Political Science 3. Reading MA: Addison-Wesley.Google Scholar
Lopez, G. and Stohl, M. (eds.) (1987) Liberalization and Redemocratization in Latin America. New York, NY: Greenwood Press.Google Scholar
Lowenthal, A. (ed.) (1991) Exporting Democracy: The United States and Latin America (2 Vols). Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press.Google Scholar
McDonald, R. (1981) “The Emerging New Politics in Paraguay.” Journal of Interamerican Economic Affairs 35, 1 (Summer): 25–44.Google Scholar
Malloy, J. (1987) “The Politics of Transition,” pp. 240–43 in Malloy, J. and Seligson, M. (eds.) Authoritarians and Democrats: Regime Transitions in Latin America. Pittsburgh, PA: University of Pittsburgh Press.Google Scholar
Malloy, J. and Seugson, M. (eds.) (1987) Authoritarians and Democrats: Regime Transitions in Latin America. Pittsburgh, PA: University of Pittsburgh Press.Google Scholar
Martin, J. (1988) Author interview with Political Oficer, US Embassy, Asuncion (Paraguay), 7 June.Google Scholar
Miranda, C. (1990) The Stroessner Era. Boulder, CO: Westview Press.Google Scholar
Morinigo, J. and Silvero, I. (1986) Opiniones y AcUtudes Politicas en el Paraguay. Asuncion, Paraguay: Editorial Hist6rica.Google Scholar
Nichols, B. (1971) “La cultura politica del Paraguay.” Revista Paraguaya de Sociologia 8 (January-April): 133–160.Google Scholar
Nichols, B. (1968) “Las Espectivas de los Partidos Politicos en el Paraguay.” Revista Paraguaya de Sociologia 2: 22–61.Google Scholar
Nickson, R.A. (1988) “Tyranny and Longevity: Stroessner's Paraguay.” Third World Quarterly 10, 1 (January): 237–259.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
North-South (1992) “Latin American Newscan: Paraguay.” 1,6 (April-May): 59.Google Scholar
Nun, J. (1968) “The Middle-Class Military Coup,” pp. 145–186 in Petras, James and Zeitlin, Maurice (eds.) Latin America: Reform or Revolution. New York, NY: Fawcett Publications.Google Scholar
O'DONNELL, G., Schmitter, P. and Whitehead, L. (eds.) (1986) Transitions From Authoritarian Rule: Latin America. Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press.Google Scholar
O'Leary, J. (1925) El Mariscal Solano Lopez. Madrid, Spain: Felix Moliner.Google Scholar
Organization of American States (OAS) (1987) Report on the Situation of Human Rights in Paraguay. Washington, DC: Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, OAS.Google Scholar
Palau, T. (ed.) (1990) Dictadura, Corrupcin y Transici6n. Asunciön, Paraguay: BASE/Investigaciones Sociales, Programa de Estado y Sociedad (ISPES).Google Scholar
Palmer, D. (1977) “The Politics of Authoritarianism,” pp. 378–384 in Malloy, James (ed.) Authoritarianism and Corporatism in Latin America. Pittsburgh, PA: Pittsburgh University Press.Google Scholar
Prieto, J. (1953) Manuel del Ciudadano Liberal Paraguayo. Buenos Aires, Argentina: Partido Liberal.Google Scholar
Prieto Yegros, L. (1988) El Coloradismo Eterno Con Stroessner. Asunciön, Paraguay: Editorial Cuadernos Republicanos.Google Scholar
Riquelme, M. (1988) “Reforma, ruptura o continuismo en el Paraguay: Dificultades y perspectivas para una apertura democratica” (mimeo). Asunciön, Paraguay: Fundacion Friedrich Naumann.Google Scholar
Rodriguez Alcala, G. (1988) Author interview with journalist/ author Guido Rodriguez Alcala, Asunciön (Paraguay), 7 June.Google Scholar
Rodriguez Alcala, G. (1987) Ideologia Autoritaria. Asunciön, Paraguay: RP ediciones.Google Scholar
Roett, R. and Sacks, R. (1991) Paraguay: The Personalist Legacy. Boulder, CO: Westview Press.Google Scholar
Roett, R. and Sacks, R. (1990) “Authoritarian Paraguay: The Personalist Legacy,” pp. 335–358 in Wiarda, Howard and Cline, Harvey (eds.) Latin American Politics and Development. Boulder, CO: Westview Press.Google Scholar
Ruffinelli, L. (1977) Derechos Humanos. Asunción, Paraguay: Talleres Graficos Orbis.Google Scholar
Sartori, G. (1976) Parties and Party Systems. Cambridge, UK: University Press.Google Scholar
Seiferheld, A. (1985) Nazismo y fascismo en el Paraguay. Asunción, Paraguay: Editorial Hist6rica.Google Scholar
Share, D. and Mainwaring, S. (1986) “Transitions Through Transactions: Democratization in Brazil and Spain,” pp. 175–215 in Selcher, Wayne A. (ed.) Political Liberalization in Brazil. Boulder, CO: Westview Press.Google Scholar
Sholk, R. (1982) “Comparative Aspects of the Transition from Authoritarian Rule” (A Rapporteur's Report). Washington, DC: The Wilson Center (Working Papers of the Latin American Program).Google Scholar
Sondrol, P. (1992) “The Paraguayan Military in Transition and the Implications for Civil-Military Relations.” Armed Forces and Society 19, 1 (Fall): forthcoming.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Sondrol, P. (1991) “Totalitarian and Authoritarian Dictators: A Comparison of Fidel Castro and Alfredo Stroessner.” Journal of Latin American Studies 23, 3: 599–620.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Sondrol, P. (1990a) “Castro's Cuba and Stroessner's Paraguay: A Comparison of the Totalitarian/Authoritarian Taxonomy.” Ph.D. dissertation, University of Arizona CTucson).Google Scholar
Sondrol, P. (1990b) “Authoritarianism in Paraguay: An Analysis of Three Contending Paradigms.” Review of Latin American Studies 3, 1: 83–105.Google Scholar
Sondrol, P. (1990c) “Intellectuals and the Political Culture of Latin America: A Survey of the Roots of the Authoritarian Presidency.” Governance 3, 4 (October): 416–437.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Stepan, A. (1989) Rethinking Military Politics: Brazil and the Southern Cone. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.Google Scholar
Weil, T. (1972) Area Handbook For Paraguay. Washington, DC: US Government Printing Office.Google Scholar
Welch, C. (1987) No Farewell to Arms. Boulder, CO: Westview Press.Google Scholar
Wiarda, H. (1990) The Democratic Revolution in Latin America. New York, NY: Holmes and Meier.Google Scholar
Williams, J. (1975) “From the Barrel of a Gun: Some Notes on Dr. Francia and Paraguayan Militarism.” Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society 119: 73–86.Google Scholar
(The) World Bank (1991) World Development Report, 1991. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.Google Scholar
Vittone, L. (1968) Las FF.AA. paraguayas en sus distintas épocas. Asunciön, Paraguay: El Gráfico.Google Scholar
ZookJr., D. (1960) The Conduct of the Chaco War. New Haven, CT: Bookman Press.Google Scholar