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Coca, The State, and the Peasantry in Bolivia, 1982-1988

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Kevin Healy
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Extract

Polttical Conflicts between Bolivia and its peasantry over the production and distribution of the coca leaf during the 1980s is the focus of this essay. The first section describes several of Bolivia's comparative disadvantages (among Andean producer nations) for waging effective coca leaf control programs. Following is an analysis of the interplay and results of specific statepeasant conflicts during the 1982-1988 period of civilian democratic rule. To give a Bolivian contextual backdrop to these conflicts, aspects of the national political culture which shape the terms and conditions of the struggle over controversial drug-related issues are explained. A final section presents a brief analysis of the Chapare region's prospects for a successful coca leaf eradication program.

Explanations for the Bolivian government's ineffectual campaign against the coca leaf and cocaine industry range from its status as a weak state to its fragile and deteriorating economy (Healy, 1986). Bolivia's political system holds the world record for changes in government by way of the coup d'etat.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Interamerican Studies and World Affairs , Volume 30 , Issue 2-3: Special Issue: Assessing the Americas' War on Drugs , Summer 1988 , pp. 105 - 126
Copyright
Copyright © University of Miami 1988

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