Two Lefts: The Competition for Leadership of Latin America

This study explores the origins and implications of the “two lefts” in Latin America; the radical populism of Hugo Chavez Frias in Venezuela and the moderate left of Luiz Inacio “Lula” da Silva in Brazil. After defining radical populism and the moderate left, each leader is analyzed in turn by examining their rise to power, and their social, economic and foreign policies. Finally, the study recommends U.S. policy responses regarding Venezuela and Brazil.