Arnoldo Alemán Takes on the NGOs: Antifeminism and the New Populism in Nicaragua

Citation:

Kampwirth, Karen. 2003. “Arnoldo Aleman Takes on the NGOs: Antifeminism and the New Populism in Nicaragua.” Latin American Politics and Society 45 (2): 133–58. doi:10.2307/3176982.

Author: Karen Kampwirth

Abstract:

This article analyzes the campaign of Nicaraguan president Arnoldo Alemán (1997-2002) against organized competitors, what has been called his war against the nongovernmental organizations, or NGOs. Alemán's attacks on the NGO sector are shown to be consistent with the logic of the new populism in Latin America. At the same time, his choice of targets-prominent NGO figures who were often foreign-born and always female-must be explained with reference to the specifics of Nicaraguan civil society and its evolving relationship with the political parties. This study argues that by choosing to respond to the challenges of international neoliberalism and local feminism through the anti-NGO campaign, Alemán helped to weaken democracy in Nicaragua.

Topics: Civil Society, Democracy / Democratization, Feminisms, Women, Governance, NGOs, Political Participation Regions: Americas, Central America Countries: Nicaragua

Year: 2003

© 2024 CONSORTIUM ON GENDER, SECURITY & HUMAN RIGHTSLEGAL STATEMENT All photographs used on this site, and any materials posted on it, are the property of their respective owners, and are used by permission. Photographs: The images used on the site may not be downloaded, used, or reproduced in any way without the permission of the owner of the image. Materials: Visitors to the site are welcome to peruse the materials posted for their own research or for educational purposes. These materials, whether the property of the Consortium or of another, may only be reproduced with the permission of the owner of the material. This website contains copyrighted materials. The Consortium believes that any use of copyrighted material on this site is both permissive and in accordance with the Fair Use doctrine of 17 U.S.C. § 107. If, however, you believe that your intellectual property rights have been violated, please contact the Consortium at info@genderandsecurity.org.