How Barbados Became a Caribbean Power

Sun soaked; rum soaked; fringed by palms and golden beaches. Barbados is a Caribbean island that stirs up all the stereotypes one associates with this region. You picture pirates, rum runners and European explorers travelling around the coast and as you walk through Bridgetown you can almost hear calypso music in the streets. This is a romanticised image of the Caribbean, but one that I myself had as I moved through the island. But this image is critical to Barbados because it forms the foundation of the island’s soft power; the concept of global influence that has made it a modern Caribbean power.

The Caribbean is not a region short of cultural icons. Cuba is imbued with nostalgia and travelers flock to the island to indulge in one of the world’s last communist states. Castro’s image looms large over the nation and images of Cuba become more photogenic at every corner. Alternatively there is Jamaica, an island whose global image will forever be entwined with reggae, Bob Marley and Rastafarian culture. Jamaica, because of Cuba’s political isolation, had fallen into the role of a regional leader. It was a nation whose culture and soft power were unrivaled in the world, but within the last few years Barbados has risen high in the global conscience and arguably has replaced Jamaica as a modern soft power.

Soft power has allowed Barbados to achieve a dominance that neither military might or political influence could ever achieve. But identifying what is the root of the island’s soft power is complex.

(Above: The harbour at Bridgetown, the economic and political heart of Barbados)

One of the biggest contributing factors is music. For many music may be considered a trivial thing, but in the modern world it is one of the few cultural traditions that can reach all parts of the world and it can symbolise a nation’s global influence. Music has played a core part of Britain’s rise to become the world’s leading soft power nation; Adele, One Direction, Mumford & Sons and numerous others have helped to define the modern British state and within the Caribbean Jamaica’s dominance was largely down to the global influence of reggae music.

As Bob Marley came to define Jamaica in the 20th century, so Bajan musical figures have helped define Barbados in the 21st century. Cover Drive, Shontelle and most famously Rihanna have been catalysts for Barbados’s new-found cultural dominance. These artists have put Barbados on the map, acting as cultural ambassadors for the island. With Rihanna as its poster girl, Barbados has taken on the cultural prominence that Jamaica has developed with Bob Marley and reggae music. Her international success cemented Bajan culture in the minds of the global population and subsequent success by her contemporaries has confirmed the island’s cultural strength and pushed Barbados further in the soft power rankings. This has also helped it to success against its regional rivals; whereas Jamaica has relied on a cultural image iconic to generations past, Barbados is represented by figures enjoying success today.

(Above: Throughout Barbados there are constant reminders of the island’s link to Britain. Towns are often named after places in the UK, such as Worthing, which is on the British south coast.)

This cultural soft power, however, has also been backed up by the economic development and safety and security that the island enjoys. Unlike Jamaica, Barbados does not have connotations of violence and crime, and this has brought the tourists back to Barbados again and again. Tourists come to the island not simply seeking the Bajan culture that has been portrayed so widely across the globe, but also the security that this island can offer over many other nations within the Caribbean. Most importantly, however, is the way Barbados has generated an image of being a slice of the Caribbean to suit everybody. Its colonial links to the UK make it feel like familiar to the British and Europeans alike, whilst its modern culture has adopted much from the United States. This has resulted in a Barbados that is accessible and one in which any visitor, from any nation, can indulge in a form of Caribbean cosmopolitanism.

(Above: Barbados not only offers culture, but also a slice of the Caribbean ideal that all tourists here seek)

Whereas Jamaica and Cuba have such unique identities Barbados has attempted to push a new concept of the Caribbean; one of the cosmopolitan Caribbean and yet it has sought to retain Bajan traditions at the heart of life. With this concept making waves across the world, all of Barbados is aware that eyes are focusing on this island. With Rihanna and her contemporaries continuing to push on strength by strength it looks like Barbados will continue to grow economically, politically and as a soft power state. With music, history and the Bajan lifestyle at its core Barbados has risen and will continue to rise to become a true Caribbean power.

By Peter Banham

Rise of New Mega-Cities (Round 2): Capitals of Development – Brasilia and Hanoi

To visit truly great cities many travel to huge urban centres, such as London or Paris, but to experience vibrancy, culture and great development others look instead to the cities of emerging nations, such as Mexico or Indonesia. These nations have cities that defy belief; they have urban populations that are greater than many countries and are cities that bring together every strand of human existence. In short these are true mega-cities. Cities such as Mexico City, Jakarta or Shanghai all fit within this description are have been viewed as the centres of a new world order, in which emerging markets come to dominate the global economy. However hot on the back of these huge mega-cities are rival urban centres competing for regional dominance and amongst the most important are Brasilia, Brazil and Hanoi, Vietnam.

These two cities are both national capitals of countries who are climbing towards global economic superiority. Although these cities are currently overshadowed but other regional cities, such as Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paolo, Bangkok or Manila, both Brasilia and Hanoi are cities ready to take the spotlight and are important cities to watch in the future.

Brasilia, Brazil

Brasilia is certainly an interesting city within the modern world. Unlike most cities it layout and design was all pre-planned. Brasilia was not an organic city that sprawled over the hills and jungles of Brazil, instead it was the product of a select few individuals who had a vision for a new futuristic capital at the heart of Brazil.

Planned cities are not uncommon and Brasilia is only one of many famous examples which also includes Canberra, New Delhi and Cancun, all of which were founded in the 20^th century. But Brasilia has surpassed all of them. It is the largest city existing today that did not exist at the start of the 20^th century and its sustained growth over the century has taken the city’s planners by surprise. The capacity they had planned for has been surpassed and new areas of the city have had to be built to accommodate this population boom. However, Brasilia has not only achieved prosperity and growth but also culture and critically desirability. Unlike its Australian counterpart, Canberra, Brasilia has not become a government backwater but instead has emerged as a desirable alternative to the mega-cities of Sao Paolo or Rio de Janeiro and it is a city whose modern design has made it a UNESCO world heritage site.

But is it possible for Brasilia to become a new centre for Brazil; one that has the pull and power of its South Eastern rivals?

The city itself certainly believes in its own strengths and instead of following the path of many cities of the developing world it has shied away from industrial output and focused on Brazil’s blossoming service industry. The city, despite the government accounting for 40% of all jobs, is also becoming the national headquarters of Brazilian communications, television and finance. These are the industries that will allow Brazil to challenge the USA and Europe for global dominance and Brasilia is at the core, pushing these industries forward.

But it is not just the industries that it has encouraged, that have set Brasilia apart from Rio or Sao Paolo. Crucially it is the attitude towards its own growth that has made Brasilia a regional player. As a planned city it has always maintained a clear vision for its future and it has not allowed new growth to cloud this vision. Oscar Niemeyer was the architect behind the city and his aesthetic has rarely been compromised. The city is an homage to modern design but it has also fostered a very forward thinking vision within Brazil. Brasilia is what the nation is striving to become; it is a utopia of modern design,  organised structure and strong society that has sought to lead Brazil forward. Although many have criticised this utopia and argue that it forgets the reality of the struggles many Brazilians face, Brasilia is firm in its belief that if Brazil wants to become a leading world nation it needs a capital who can provide a vision for its people and act as a core around which the nation can grow.

(Above: Brasilia’s Futuristic National Congress)

Hanoi, Vietnam

Hanoi may not be the planned utopia that Brasilia is, but the capital of Vietnam has a similar dream of being the core of a rapidly developing nation; a city that can be a symbol for the region’s growth. Hanoi may be a historic world-famous city; a city whose name resonates with a generation who lived with the Vietnam War, but as Vietnam’s neighbours rose in wealth and power Hanoi was quickly outpaced. Bangkok, Jakarta, Manila, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur became the global cities that the world wanted to visit and invest in. They were the core of South East Asia’s growth but as Vietnam develops the importance of Hanoi is also growing.

Hanoi is the quintessential capital of a developing nation. It has seen incredible growth and has tried to have a piece of every industry going. But its industrial growth, which over the last several decades has seen growth rates at around 20%, a rate most nations round the world would be clamouring for, that has really solidified its rise. This growth in industry is not only rapid but it is varied; incorporating everything from textiles to technology and, despite the cliché being for products to be stamped ‘Made in China’, anybody looking through their possessions will notice the mark ‘Made in Vietnam’ more often. What people won’t know though is that many products, even those which are not manufactured in Vietnam, will have passed through Vietnam, in particular Hanoi. The city has become a global hub for international trade with exports rising at rates similar to that of Hanoi’s industrial growth.

Hanoi may not be carving out a niche for itself and its development may repeat what others have already done, but South East Asia is a region that can support more international global centres and even with these similarities Hanoi does have some advantages over the other leading cities. Most important is its proximity to China. Vietnam has had a volatile relationship with its northern neighbour but with regards to economics Vietnam has incredibly close relations with China and China has become one of its greatest trading partners. This has given Hanoi the edge on its rivals and with the global attention shifting to Asia over the next few decades the likelihood is that Hanoi will be seen as a critical hub for any international business.

Hanoi does have some barriers to achieving greater regional power. As already stated, South East Asia is a crowded market; there are many other cities who can provide similar and in some cases better services than Hanoi and even internally Hanoi has to compete with Ho Chi Minh City, currently Vietnam’s largest city. However with Vietnam maintaining low prices, good economic links with China and enough mystery and culture to attract visitors the world over, it is more likely that Hanoi will continue to grow and soon it will be the other cities of the region who are seeking to catch up.

(Above: The Hanoi Skyline)

Capitals of Development

Both Brasilia and Hanoi are capital cities that are looking to assert themselves in the their respective nations. For years they have been overshadowed both by other cities in the nation and around the region. However these are both cities on the rise, looking to challenge the political and economic dominance of rivals and assert their own vision for the future of the nation. In short they not only want to be the political capitals of Brazil and Vietnam, but they also want to turn themselves into capitals of development.

By Peter Banham

See Also:

Rise of New Mega-Cities (Round 1): Sporting Giants – Doha and Sochi

What Does it Mean to be…Brazilian?

We are used to seeing Latin America as a single homogeneous region. We see the continent as one of a single dominant ethnic majority (Hispanic/Latino), a region where Roman Catholicism dominates and where Iberian culture prevails. However recent reports show that South America, in particular Brazil, is becoming increasingly multicultural through mass immigration and the changing economy.

The reason for this is the fact that South America is seen as one of the fastest growing regions in the world. Leading this South American development is a nation that dominates the country; Brazil. This giant in Latin America has grown rapidly in the last decade and has become one of the rising economic powers of the world, leading to membership in the G20 and critically the BRICS nations. It is the membership to the BRICS that has made Brazil a target for economic migrants. The BBC reported on the Senegalese individuals who saw Brazil as a more viable destination over the flagging economies of Europe and America. These migrants are changing the makeup of Brazil and people are starting to question this homogeneous nature of the state; asking instead what does it mean to be Brazilian?

Firstly I should explain my choice of Brazil as a case study. Although its position as the leading economy makes it an obvious example of the changing nature of South American society, Brazilian culture has always made it a unique nation in the region. I want to delve under the skin of the people of a nation noted for its beauty, its vibrancy and its culture and determine what makes it unique and why its a contradiction to the concept of South America as a single culture.

Brazil, as most people know, is not a successor to the Spanish colonial empire but instead is a legacy left by the exploration of Portuguese explorers. It is a nation that speaks Portuguese, not Spanish, and like its former colonial masters this separation from the Spanish is a key facet of Brazilian culture. Being Portuguese separated Brazil and lead to the formation the Brazilian American indeity as opposed to the Hispanic communities whose heritage is Spanish. Brazil highlights that language is not something that does link all of South America, as is so readily believed. Instead the continent forms an intricate web a linguistic traditions. Alongside Spanish and Portuguese; English, Dutch, French and indigenous languages, such as Quechua and Guarani are all official languages of nations and communities across the continent.

Brazil itself shows it character through its languages. Portuguese dominates but Spanish, Italian and German are prominent European languages spoken and added to the indigenous languages makes Brazil a nation in which an estimated 210 languages are spoken, a fact that confirms Brazil’s multicultural nature. However although language is one of the best outward expressions of national and cultural identity, its real power is to tell us about the people who make up Brazil. It can help us to understand the international roots of the Brazilian people; the ethnic and cultural strands that come together to form the contemporary nation.

The presence of indigenous languages is a reminder that there existed a Brazil before European colonial conquest. Little is known of the history of these indigenous communities, estimated to number over 2,000 at the time of Portuguese colonialism but within modern Brazil many of these communities still exist and present a very different representation of the state. These communities do not inhabit the big sun and samba drenched cities  of Rio de Janeiro or Sao Paulo, instead they are communities in tune with the Amazon rainforest. This rainforest has always been emblematic of Brazil and the indigenous communities therefore arguably represent the most authentic representation of what it means to be a Brazilian.

However the indigenous communities are not how the world perceives Brazil. Instead we picture notable figures such as models Gisele Bundchen and Adriana Lima, sportsmen like Pele, Ayrton Senna and Ronaldinho or politicians such as current President, Dilma Rousseff. These are the individuals who represent the Brazil of today and the Brazil of the future. But in analysing the origins of these world famous Brazilians, despite assuming a common Latin ethnicity and culture, we in fact create a complex web of people and cultures.

History is key to understanding the many strands that form Brazil. Like much of the Americas the mass movement of people resulting from the slave trade transformed Brazil. The slave trade brought a different ethnic community to nations like Brazil and through the huge numbers of people who were moved to South America a unique hybrid culture eventually emerged. But like the Brazilian population itself, the slave population that arrived during the 16th and 17th centuries was not a single homogeneous group, as is so often perceived. The slaves were not drawn from a single African source but rather the Portuguese colonists who were responsible for bringing slaves over to Brazil used Portugal’s diverse African colonies as a source of people. Therefore in Brazil there were populations of Africans from Portugal’s trading posts across Africa, many of whom were given names, such as ‘Angola’ or ‘Mozambique’ (Nishida, Mieko. Slavery and Identity: Ethnicity, Gender, and Race in Salvador, Brazil, 1808-1888, pp.31) which reinforced the Portuguese, as opposed to Spanish, influence in the population of the Brazilian population. Slavery ensured that Brazil would forever be a multi-cultural nation, one that encompassed both the European and African communities.

But in addition to the slaving ethnic heritage Brazil is also shown to be a true melting pot of European cultures, of which Portuguese culture is only one aspect. There was mass migration to South America of both Italian and German communities, many arriving in the 19th century in the wake of great change within Europe, and migration has continued through to present day waves of immigration. Where the Italian and German communities created a different concept of being Brazilian in the 19th century the new communities arriving in the country will likely also make their mark.

Today populations of Senegalese immigrants are arriving at the Brazilian borders, but here they are mixing with other communities. Haitians are the biggest population of immigrants to Brazil, largely following the earthquake that devastated the Haitian society and economy. Brazil has actively encouraged Haitian migration through the relaxation of visa restrictions, but on the border there are also Nigerians, Dominicans, Bangladeshis and other South Americans who, like those arriving from round the globe, are attracted by Brazil’s growing economy. Although Los Angeles, New York or London may still be the glittering world capitals the skyscrapers of Rio and Sao Paolo are drawing increasing numbers of people who wish to participate in the growth of Brazil.

For all the global perceptions of South America as a single culture, transferable from country to country, the reality is that there is no single culture we can attribute to South Americans and Brazilians are the very epitome of this. Brazil is a nation which has no single ethnic or cultural identity. We call them Latinos but there are populations of indigenous people who offer a completely version of the Brazilian nation; we talk of Hispanic culture, but Brazil is Portuguese and although Spanish and Portuguese language dominate there are communities who speak German or Italian. Ultimately the only think that links all Brazilians is the fact that all Brazilians are different. This exotic mix of people has created a unique population that nowhere else can replicate and maybe this is the appeal of Brazil and its people?

What we do know is that Brazil should be seen as a truly multicultural nation; one in which being a Brazilian can mean a multitude of things. With the Brazilian economy growing rapidly the country is being seen as a new destination for migrants. There are those, like the BBC reported on, coming from Africa and Asia seeking a better life and there are those coming in to build and development Brazil’s new glittering industries.

We must reject the idea that there is a single South America and a single Brazil, embrace the idea that this nation evolves with each community that arrives and that the concept of being Brazilian will be ever-changing, exotically mixed and better for it.

By Peter Banham

The ‘Man from Buenos Aires’: How an Argentinian Pope Will Affect Latin America

For the first time in history the Papacy is to be run by a Latin American Pope. Today Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected to the  top position in the Roman Catholic Church becoming Pope Francis I. This was truly a historic election. Not only is Francis the first Latin American Pope but he is also the first Pope from the Southern hemisphere, the first non-European Pope for over 1,200 years and the first to take the name Francis.

But the election means more than just statistics; it appears to suggest the Church is recognising the new frontiers of Catholicism (see my article on the New Frontiers of Catholicism for more detail). By selecting a Latin American Pope they have recognised that it is here in Latin America that the greatest concentration of Catholics exists and where the future of the Catholic Church may rest. Brazil has the world’s largest Catholic population, Mexico the second largest and Argentina (the home of Pope Francis) has the ninth largest population of Catholics. These are clear indications of the dominance Latin America is achieving in global Catholicism.

As Latin America and the wider world celebrates the election result I want to explore what impact Pope Francis’s election could have on Latin America and in particular his home nation of Argentina.

An Argentinian Pope will cement the power of Latin American Catholicism. Over the last century or so, the importance of the Catholic Church in Europe has been in decline. Rising secularism and a reduction in the number of individuals becoming ordained has threatened the Church. In addition the Catholic Church has received much criticism in recent years as a result of several high-profile scandals, such as the sex abuse scandal and the Vatileaks incident, and its continued stance against issues such as homosexuality and contraception has further distanced many in Europe.

To reinvigorate the Church, Conclave needed to elect a Pope who would push Roman Catholicism forward and they needed a figure who could spread the Church’s political message globally. Pope Francis could indeed be the one to achieve this. As an Argentinian Francis has the ability to bring life to the Vatican and Roman Catholicism through integrating the vast Catholic populations of Brazil, Mexico etc closer into the heartland of Catholic power.

Very few expect the new Pope to shake up the theological foundations of the Catholic Church. He is a Jesuit priest and has already proved himself to, during his period as Cardinal, to be a conservative figure. However he has two core principles that will see great reform in the Papacy. He wants to bring about real change to the Curia in Rome in an attempt to end the corruption that has recently been the focus of outside criticism and he stands by a belief in social equality, living a humble life and doing all that is possible to alleviate poverty for the world’s poorest. This strong stance on social equality will prove popular in Latin America, a region in which the wealth gap between the country’s richest and poorest appears to be growing.

But for Latin America and Argentina the political role of the Pope as head of one of the largest global communities is likely to have the greatest impact. Just as Poland received far greater attention when Pope John Paul II became the Pope in the 1970’s, Argentina’s global presence will likely increase as a result.

(Above: President Cristina Fernandez de Kircher meets Pope Francis, then Cardinal Bergoglio)

Argentina has several globally recognised figures; Evita, President Juan Peron, Maradona and the current President, Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner. However none of these figures will have the global reach of Pope Francis and although only time will tell if his Pontificate is to be remembered through the ages, it is likely that he will become known as the world’s most famous Argentinian. This figure will boost the Latin American state’s profile and help it to achieve the international economic and political superiority that its current President has been driving for.

There are those in Argentina who will not welcome the election as the Pope has previously been accused of involvement with the military junta that ruled Argentina and caused the disappearance and death of many individuals. He has also clashed with the Kirchner family over many political issues including same-sex marriage and these could threaten to overshadow the Pope Francis’ election in Argentina.

However despite these issues Pope Francis can be used as a global voice for the concerns of Latin America and for the poor of the continent. In the wake of Hugo Chavez’s death this is cause without a leader and Pope Francis may have stumbled into that role through the election. If he is to play the role of social advocate he may achieve more than the vocal Venezuelan leader ever could. Unlike Chavez, who made as many enemies as friends in international politics, the Papacy, by virtue of its status and history, commands greater respect and support from the international community.

Ultimately Pope Francis could represent the face of Latin America. His election to the Papacy symbolises the great advancement the region has made, both politically and economically in the world. These advancements have seen it emerge out of the shadow of Europe and the USA and today Latin America is a region of rising powers; Brazil, Mexico and Argentina are all nations knocking on the door of global dominance.  In addition they, today, are all nations that will likely form a new centre of power within the Catholic Church.

Although we know little of the new Pope and little of what his leadership will be like, we can say with certainty that the election was a landmark occasion not only for the Vatican but for the world. This week there will be celebrations across Buenos Aires, Argentina and Latin America all in support of the ‘Man from Buenos Aires’, Pope Francis I.

By Peter Banham

Cover Image: Pope Francis, The Telegraph

A Country You Know Little About…But Should (Part 2) – El Salvador

El Salvador is often the forgotten nation of Central America. Mexico is the guiding political power, Costa Rica and Belize are famed for their natural beauty, Panama for its canal and Nicaragua (unfortunately) for its troubled past and history. Yet El Salvador has all the above; beautiful landscapes defined by volcanoes, beaches and tropical rainforests; a complex and varied history and an economy that is growing rapidly.

What has made El Salvador stand out is that it is the only nation in Central America not to have a Caribbean coastline. It is a country solely focused on the Pacific Ocean and within a region where so much attention is focused on the development of the Caribbean this has distinguished the nation.

So why has it been ignored in the discourse and media attention of Latin America. For the most part this is because they are fighting for attention in the region. Costa Rica is arguably the most well know country, outside of Mexico, within the region and other have used their similar history and geography to attract tourists, business and the world’s media. El Salvador has often been outside of this focus in Central America and this has meant that few people have great knowledge of the nation. These are four reasons why El Salvador should be better known:

• Excluding Mexico, it is the 3rd largest economy in the region and the economy continues to grow. 
• It is, ecologically, one of the most bio-diverse nations in the world.
• It saw one of the bloodiest civil wars in Central American history from 1979-1992.
• Ethnically it is the only Central American country that has no visible African population today, which has distinguished it from other nations in the region.

El Salvador: Pacific Power

As previously stated El Salvador is a Pacific nation with an economy that has tended to focus on the Americas as a whole, rather than simply on the Caribbean. It is an economy that traditional was rooted in industrial output, often being referred to as the most industrialised nation in Central America. However following the Civil War much of this industry was damaged and the country has fought hard to climb back up to a position of economic prominence. Arguably it has achieved this, only sitting behind tourist hotspot, Costa Rica and business orientated Panama in regional rankings.

With both those nations there are big, world known factors that have resulted in their economic rise; for Costa Rica it was the promotion of tourism and for Panama it was the trade of the Panama Canal that bought them riches. However El Salvador has progressed with very little understanding of what it produces. The key to El Salvador’s economic successes may be in the diversity of its export economy. Manufacturing in textiles, electrical product and agricultural products all participate in building a El Salvadorian economy and the government has been constantly exploring new ways to achieve economic growth.

(Above: A representation of the exports of El Salvador)

A Scar on its History: Civil War and Martyrs

El Salvador has been at the centre of the world media but that was often for the negative impact of a Civil War that tore the country apart, resulted in the deaths of thousands of people and made martyrs of many leading opposition figures, who have become symbols of the new El Salvador.

In 1979 conflict erupted between the US-backed military government and the left-wing coalition of guerrilla groups known as the FMLN. It was a conflict that involved a coup d’etat, the repression of Native ethnic minorities, death squads and widespread repression that resulted in the disappearance of thousands of El Salvadorians.

It was one of the worst internal conflicts in the history of Central America and resulted in the death of over 75,000 people. Lasting for over twelves years there were widespread human rights violations by the Salvadoran military and security forces that continued at high levels during the 1980’s. Thousands of individuals were kidnapped by both sides, becoming part of a legacy of the ‘disappeared’ of Latin America and leaving lingering memories for the people of El Salvador.

But the conflict was more than violence, it created a global figurehead for El Salvador, someone who represented the path towards building a peaceful future. In 1980 Archbishop Oscar Romero was assassinated, it is believed on the orders of a death squad led by Major Roberto D’Aubuisson. He had been an advocate for the poor and repressed in El Salvador, calling on the US to end their support of the regime that had begun widespread persecution of the state, including the Church.

His assassination created a martyr out of Archbishop Romero, a figure who has now come to represent support for the oppressed and poor of South America. He is undergoing the beatification and cannonisation process and has been accepted as the unofficial patron saint of El Salvador and the Americas. Worldwide he is referred to alongside other religious figures and martyrs, including Martin Luther King, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela, adding further validity to his position as an El Salvadorian icon.

The El Salvador of the Future

El Salvador has great potential for the future; for economic development and political progress. The nation has been looking to boost their economic growth further by increasing diversification and tourism has been touted as a possible industry to expand into. It has the volcanoes, ecological diversity and beaches that have attracted tourists to the other nations of Central America. Now it has entered a period of stability it has been offered as an alternative to the criminality and conflict that has been characteristic of other nations in the region, such as Nicaragua, Honduras and even Mexico.

The people have sought to establish a future that moves beyond the civil war and uses the legacy to build a new society in El Salvador. This new El Salvador is proud of the progress it has made since 1992, when the civil war finally ended, and has used the figure and legacy of Oscar Romero as a basis to build on.

Like the Spanish explorers who discovered El Salvador and the Pacific coast in the 16th century, the leaders of the nation are looking out across the Pacific Ocean looking towards the future and endless possibilities for the nation, looking to explore uncharted opportunities and make a name for themselves.

If you want to explore this further this is a good video from the Martyrs Project looking at the life of Oscar Romero: The Project: “Romero”

By Peter Banham

Britain Overseas (Part 3): Imperial Legacy in the Caribbean

The Caribbean is where Britain’s imperial legacy is arguably at its greatest. Although it is an area where Britain’s influence has decreased greatly since the heyday of the British Empire, as colonies declared their independence, the UK still retains control over numerous territories. Alongside other nations, such as the USA, France and the Netherlands the UK still retains a colonial presence in the region and these colonial legacies have created distinct identities in the contemporary society of these territories. These Caribbean territories are the largest British Overseas Territories in terms of population and, due to their geographic position, are amongst the most productive and prosperous of all Britain’s remaining territories.

Britain’s oversea’s territories in the Caribbean include:

• Anguilla
• Bermuda
• British Virgin Islands
• Cayman Islands
• Montserrat
• Turks and Caicos Islands

Bermuda

Populations:

• 64,268 (Roughly half way between the populations of Durham and Bath, both England)

(Above: Map of Bermuda)

Although not technically in the Caribbean Bermuda has always been considered an extension of British lands in the Caribbean and North America. Once America became independent politically Bermuda was always associated with the Caribbean.

Bermuda is not only the largest British territory in terms of population, but it is also the oldest, having been under British rule since 1609. The Virginia Company, who colonised the east coast of America, were the first to establish a settlement on the island. Ever since then Bermuda has grown in population and been seen, due to its location in the North Atlantic, as a strategic gateway to both North America and the Caribbean.

Soon after the establishment of settlements in the island the economy shifted towards a focus on maritime businesses, including whaling, merchant trade and privateering. However even with its strategic position Bermuda was largely left to govern itself. It built up great political influence in the Atlantic salt industry, the lumber trade, cod fishing and merchant trading in the ports of the American Atlantic Seaboard and the West Indies. This influence and autonomy meant that Bermudian culture on the 18th century was far more in line with America, and when the War of Independence started, Bermuda was initially supportive of the Americans. This forced Britain and the Royal Navy to increase their presence in the island, changing to focus of life and the economy again, this time focusing on defence.

Today Bermuda enjoys some of the highest standards of living of any territory in the world and its economy has boomed, following its new position as an offshore financial centre. Although this had caused much controversy in international politics the strong economy of Bermuda has prompted its inclusion into the Caribbean political/economic organisation, CARICOM and encouraged close relations with the USA, both politically and economically.

Bermuda is undeniably a jewel in Britain’s Overseas Territories; a territory that is economically strong and politically important. Its unique global position has given it unparalleled power in the North Atlantic and its intricate history has meant that far from being an isolated and forgotten territory, Bermuda has remained a regional player and the gateway to the Caribbean.

(Above: Hamilton, capital of Bermuda)

Cayman Islands

Population:

• 54,878 (Nearly equal to the population of Hereford, England)

(Above: Map of the Cayman Islands)

The Cayman Islands do not hold the same historic or symbolic importance of the other British territories. Instead they are renowned for their role in the global economy as centres for international finance. Having been incorporated into the British Empire, following the Treaty of Madrid in 1670 the territory grew slowly, but historically has always retained its status of tax-exemption and has never levied income tax, capital gains tax or any other wealth tax.

When the contemporary territory of the Cayman Islands is examined its is clear that its dominated by finance. There are more registered businesses in the islands than there are people and out of the people who live on the islands, many are ex-pats who seek to benefit from the preferential tax system.

However despite the dominance of the financial services that characterise the international view of the Cayman Islands, there is far more to Cayman culture. Located just south of Jamaica it lies in the heart of the Caribbean and therefore shares much of the tropical landscapes and vibrant culture that characterises its regional neighbours. Its sandy beaches, shipwrecks, snorkelling and trails through the landscape of Grand Cayman all provide great draws for tourists all over the world.

The business environment has made the Caymans famous, creating a truly cosmopolitan and varied territory where, with a growing population, more and more people are seeing and experiencing the sport, music and lifestyle that is an inherent part of the modern territory. Although much of the Britishness of Cayman culture has been replaced by a more generic western perspective on society, looking deeper into life in the islands shows observers that there is more to the Cayman islands than their tax free status.

(Above: Seven Mile Beach, a major tourist attraction in the Caymans)

Montserrat

Population:

• 5,164 (Roughly one hundredth of the population of Manchester, England)

(Above: Map of Montserrat)

Montserrat is by far the smallest of all Britain’s colonies in the Caribbean but is definitely one of the more fascinating. Despite becoming an English colony in 1632 it was the influence of the Irish that most heavily influenced early society in the territory, and even today St Patrick’s day is celebrated as a public holiday, the only place outside of Ireland to do so. Irish people, alongside many Africans, were taken as slaves to work on the island in sugar plantations and it was not until the Sturge family bought land in the island and established the Montserrat Company Ltd, that English culture came to dominate.

Often administered from other islands in the Caribbean Montserrat became known as a retreat and because of music studios established there, musicians from round the world came to visit the island. However the peace of the island was shattered by two natural disasters that have devastated the island, which has never fully recovered.

Firstly on September 17, 1989 Hurricane Hugo, a Category 4 storm, struck Montserrat and damaged over 90 percent of the structures on the island. The tourist industry along with much of the merchant trade collapsed and the economy of the island was severely crippled. Within a few years, the island had recovered considerably, but the hurricane had left a legacy in the island.

Next to come was a natural disaster that fundamentally changed life in Montserrat. In July 1995 the  Soufrière Hills volcano began to erupt, having been considered dormant. The eruption that occurred buried most of the island, including the capital Plymouth, which was under 12m (39ft) of mud. The airport and docks were destroyed and the lower half of the island was separated as an exclusion zone. To this day the area is still an exclusion zone with Montserrat forced to build a new airport, construct a new capital and try and rebuild the society and economy of the territory in the Northern half of the island.

The eruption caused many people to leave Montserrat as the economic conditions were so difficult and with the volcano continuing to erupt resuming life in the Southern part of the island looks increasingly unlikely. As a result Montserrat is reliant largely on aid from the British government to keep the economy going, but this has signified the relationship Britain has with even its smallest territories and the shared cultural, political and social traditions that territories like Montserrat have with the home nation of Great Britain.

(Above: The former capital, Plymouth, after the volcanic eruption)

The British territories of the Caribbean, unlike any other world region, have seen more dramatic shifts in ownership, politics and economics. Despite being small they are often economic powerhouses driving their own development forward. However the Caribbean is a region of contrasts. The British territories here include some of the richest regions of the world, whilst also included those devastated by natural disasters and economic troubles. It is the region with the greatest history and the most vibrant culture and one, at the moment, content in its relationship with Britain.

By Peter Banham

Britain Overseas (Part 1): Britain in the South Atlantic

As part of a four part series I wanted to explore the remnants of Britain’s once mighty empire and look at the relationship, both the people and states in our Overseas Territories, have with Britain. The first part of this series will look at Britain’s territories in the South Atlantic stretching from Ascension (situated just South of the Equator) to British Antarctica. These territories whilst being amongst the most remote in the world, through the inclusion of the the Falkland Islands, have become the most debated and talked about throughout the world.

Saint Helena, Ascension & Tristan da Cuhna, Africa

Population:

• ≈4500 – 5530 Total (Roughly a hundredth of the population of the city of Sheffield, England)

(Above: Location of the three islands of the Mid-Atlantic)

Amongst some of the most isolated locations in the world, Britain still maintains control over several islands in the mid-Atlantic. Forming one territory, the islands of Ascension, St Helena and Tristan da Cuhna are little pockets of British culture and politics in one of the world’s largest oceans.

St Helena can claim to be the second oldest remaining British colony, having been settled by the East India Company in 1657. They became important stopover points for ships, both mercantile and military, as they traveled through the Atlantic, although their importance has risen and fallen repeatedly due to their isolation. Arguably the most famous moment for the territory was when St Helena was chosen as the location of exile for Napoleon Bonaparte, who was one amongst several prisoners kept on the island throughout its history. This further highlighted the territories remoteness but have provided the modern day island with a tourist attraction that continues to draw people to the island.

The islands do not suffer from the same conflicts, regarding ownership, that the Falklands or South Georgia Islands do and therefore development is being pushed through far more rapidly. The territory is largely reliant on British aid, but investment to develop an airport on St Helena, increasing tourism and trade of raw material, is going ahead and this could potentially open up St Helena to both British and foreign investors, transforming the territory.

(Above: Jamestown, the Capital of St Helena)

Falkland, South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands, South America

Population:

• 2,841 (Falklands) [Roughly one hundredth of the population of Sunderland, England]
• ≈99 (South Georgia & South Shetland Islands)

(Above: The Falkland, South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands in the South Atlantic)

Further south still, Britain’s two territories in the South Atlantic are the most controversial legacies of British colonial rule. It is here that Britain is most acutely threatened by military conflict and it was here in the 1980’s that British territory was last invaded.

The Falkland Islands have been a flash-point in British-Argentinian relations for many years and even after the war in the 1980’s, over the ownership of these islands, there have been numerous occasions, as recently as this week, in which Argentina have demanded Britain hand over control of the Falklands.

The Falklands have had a long and complex history which involves many rival claims to territory and the establishment of numerous settlements. However since 1833 the islands have been British owned and the British government has frequently demonstrated its determination to retain the islands as British territory as long as the Falklanders continue to consider themselves British. Even at the other end of the world the islands retain a strong sense of British identity, with the population strongly rejecting the idea of Argentinian sovereignty.

In 2012 tensions have escalated over these island yet again with the Argentinian politicians reiterating their view that British rule is illegal and that Falklanders have no right to self-determination. In 2013 the territory will vote in a referendum to determine whether they want to remain part of Britain or not, however with Argentina seeking only one outcome in the dispute little may be achieved in the long run, following this referendum.

Because of the war of the 1980’s and the continued presence of the Falklands in the news, it has become the figurehead for what remains of the British Empire. It represents an age when Britain occupied territory in all four corners of the world and demonstrates how even after decolonialisation of most of Britain’s former colonies, British culture and identity can continue to be found across the globe.

(Above: Stanley, the Capital of the Falklands)

British Antarctic Territory, Antarctica

Population:

• 50+ in Winter; 400+ in Summer

(Above: Britain’s claim in Antarctica)

Although uninhabited except for a select group of scientists, this slice of the Antarctic continent is easily the largest Overseas Territory belonging to Britain. Although not officially recognised by the majority of the world’s nations, the other territorial claimants in Antarctica; France, Norway, New Zealand and Australia all mutually recognise each other’s claim. However the British claim has been disputed by the Argentinian and Chilean governments, whose claims both overlap that of Britain.

Britain’s claim of Antarctica includes the Antarctic Peninsula, one of the most varied regions in the continent, and the newly named Queen Elizabeth Land that follows the British claim all the way down to the South Pole.

Although only occupied by research stations at present the future of Antarctica is often debated and Britain is likely to be at the forefront of any alterations to Antarctica’s status.

(Above: The Antarctic Peninsula)

The British Overseas territories in the South Atlantic and Antarctica remain the least fragmented of any region of the former British Empire. Despite the small population (which combined do not come close to the population of even medium sized cities in England) they have often been the centre of political controversy which has remained a constant reminder of a widespread anti-colonial rhetoric amongst world nations. However these territories have remained supported by and loyal to the British government and have stayed as bastions as British culture even in the most remote locations on the planet.

By Peter Banham

Puerto Rico: 51st State?

There are 50 American states and one Federal District, Washington DC, but following the recent elections in the USA there may be the potential for a 51st state, Puerto Rico. Although the focus of the US elections was on the contest for the White House, in the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico the focus was on a referendum, that asked its people to vote on the territory’s status within the United States.

Puerto Rico has been an US territory since the 1898 Treaty of Paris that ended the Spanish-American War and saw the Philippines, Guam and Puerto Rico all ceded to the USA as part of the peace agreement. In 1917 Puerto Ricans were further integrated into the US political system when the island citizens were made citizens of the United States, confirming US authority over the territory, but also establishing the origins for the current day political debate, that citizens voted on, on November 6th.

Despite being considered US citizens and being allowed to carry US passports, the population of Puerto Rico have not been given the privilege of voting in Presidential elections. Instead they are allowed to vote for a Governor, who heads the regional government on the island, and for a Resident Commissioner, who represents Puerto Rico in the US Congress. Together these individuals determine both local politics within the island and national politics, through the Commissioner’s role on Congressional Committees, although, like Puerto Ricans themselves, is unable to vote on legislation within the House.

But these restrictions could all end when the future of Puerto Rico’s status within the US political system is once again assessed. Many times in the past the politicians and people of Puerto Rico have discussed the role of the island in the US political system, with some favouring the maintenance of its current status as a Commonwealth, some seeking statehood and even some who seek an independent agenda. However it was only in the November, 2012 vote that Puerto Rico established a clear majority not simply for a reassessment of the island’s status but also a majority support for statehood.

(Above: Puerto Rico’s location in the Caribbean)

But what would Puerto Rico as the 51st state look like?

In terms of population Puerto Rico ranks between the US states of Connecticut and Oklahoma and therefore if it was to become an US state it would have roughly 7 electoral votes in future elections. Although this would not make it a major swing state in US politics or a ‘king-maker’ like the states of Ohio or Florida, the state would still have a dramatic impact on US politics.

Its biggest impact would be demographically. It would be the only state in America where the main language of its citizens is not English, but rather Spanish. It would also be the fifth non-white, non-Protestant majority US state and therefore despite its relatively small size it could become critically important to future elections as a way to measure respective political parties appeal to Hispanic and minority voters.

Based on the most recent election results one could argue that the Democrats would be expected to achieve success in Puerto Rico due  to the party’s appeal to minority voters, including the Hispanic population, who are becoming an increasingly powerful political force in US politics. The fact that the current Resident Commissioner, Pedro Pierluisi and the current Governor-elect, Alejandro Garcia Padilla, are both affiliated with the Democrat party offers further support to the idea that Puerto Rico could be a Democrat state.

Beyond demographics Puerto Rico offers a difficult challenge to the US administration due to its current economic position. Its GDP per capita is roughly 25% lower than other US states and in addition the island has been hit hard by the recent economic recession and therefore its economy has been further weakened. If it was to become a state the government would not only have to support economic growth plans that affect all US states, but put in extra initiatives to bring Puerto Rico in line with the economic conditions seen in mainland America.

When the motion for Puerto Rican statehood is put before President Obama, his administration will have a difficult decision to make. The President has stated that he would act upon the wishes of the Puerto Rican people and their inclusion to the union may further strengthen the Democrat position within America. However there are calls, both from within Puerto Rico and from the US administration to ignore the result, stating that it is not truly representative of the people’s wishes and that it is not the best course of action for either the United States of Puerto Rico.

The future is full of both challenges, but critically potential for Puerto Rican statehood. It would transform this Caribbean island, further evolving the concept of the United States and its inclusion would end political discourse over the concept of the ’51st State’.

The New Frontiers for Catholicism

This week the Catholic Church announced six new saints to join the wider fold of Catholicism and many of the new saintly figures include those on the very fringes of the Catholic world. They include the very first Native American saint Kateri Tekakwitha, a German nun who worked in leper colonies in Hawaii, a French Jesuit executed in Madagascar and a Filipino seminarian killed in Guam. For many the inclusion of these new saints is partly motivated by a desire to build a wider Catholic Church that recognises the demographic changes that have occurred over the last century.

Brazil, Mexico and the Philippines are now the three biggest Catholic nations in the world, with the Catholic population of Brazil (123,280,172 people) exceeding the combined Catholic populations of both France and Italy. This shifting demographic has influenced the Catholic Church and forced those in the Papacy to recognise that the Catholic populations of these countries may well dictate the future of the church.

The introduction of a Native American saint is a clear indication of the Papacy’s recognition that nations, such as the USA (the fourth largest in terms of Catholic population), are playing an increasingly important role in Church affairs. The power of their congregations, Bishops and priests are becoming more influential both in Papal politics, but also in terms of religious doctrine.

The establishment of a saint from a minority group of Catholics has been received positively by many American, and in particular Native American Catholics, who believe that these smaller, yet highly influential communities, are often sidelined by the wider narrative of Catholicism.

It has also raised the issue of power within Catholicism. In the future is there going to be a divergence in the church as the new frontiers of Catholicism grow to dominate Papal politics. Could we see the first non-European Pope in the modern era? Could we see power shift from the traditional centres in Europe to the new Catholic powers of Latin America?

Latin America, alongside containing the most populous Catholic nations in the world, is also one of the world’s fastest growing regions and as such the power of Catholicism, which is a core characteristic of modern-day Latin American society, is also rapidly growing. Although the majority of the papabili (the preferred candidates to become the next Pope) from the 2005 Papal election were from Europe, with many coming from Italy, the second largest grouping was from Latin America, with representatives from Brazil, Mexico, Honduras, Chile, Peru, Argentina, Colombia and Cuba all part of the list. In the future it may be these individuals, rather than those in Italy or Germany, who come to dominate the papal elections.

But is the Vatican ready for a non-European Pope?

The papacy is one of the oldest institutions in the world and it is unlikely to be quick to change to accommodate new powers of influence. But is it inevitable that is has to and does it really matter to the Papal hierarchy?

The Pope, by the very nature of the office he holds, is an individual who adopts a separate nationality when he takes up office. For the current Pope, despite him being a German by birth, he is a citizen of the Vatican, a position that transcends national interests and although it is rarely that clean-cut, any subsequent Pope will also be seen as a Vatican citizen first with their national heritage coming second.

With this in mind, a Latin American Pope should not be seen as a threat to the European monopoly of political power, but rather should be seen as a way to spread the ideals of Christianity and Catholicism further round the world to the furthest frontiers and the poorest regions.

Ultimately whether the Papacy is prepared for a Latin American Pope or not, it is inevitable that at some point in the future a member of the Latin American, or even Asian or African clergy could take up office in the Papacy. These areas of the world will demand representation in the church and the leading clergy may will give them representation in order to bring greater unity and prosperity to the Catholic Church.

The establishment of the first Native American saint seems to indicate the future of the Catholic Church, in which power and progress within the Church shift to new areas of the world, such as Latin America, or to non-traditional countries, such as the USA or Nigeria. For the Catholic Church to progress in the modern world, it must look back to these pioneering saints who lived on Catholicism’s frontiers. They must explore new frontiers, encourage the growth of new and existing frontier groups and develop the powerful national churches, that exist in all four corners of the Earth.

By Peter Banham

ELECTION SPECIAL: Venezuela

Today Venezuela has gone to the polls looking to vote for a new leader in a nation whose international profile has taken off in the last decade. Under the leadership of President Chavez, Venezuela has become a leading supporter of Latin American unity, a guiding figure for socialism (sparking a Latin American socialist resurgence) and a leading oil producer catapulting it to the core of international politics.

However Chavez and his socialist agenda are now under threat from the most united and strongest opposition in any election since his rule was established in 1999. Henrique Caprilles is Chavez’s opponent and is representing the Justice First party, part of a wider coalition of many of Venezuela’s smaller parties. Although the party is a centre-right party, Caprilles considers himself a centre-left politician and combines ideas of a thriving free market alongside strong support from the state. This has lead to a campaign in the form of popular, socially responsible right-wing politics, that has appealed to many in Venezuela who are keen to remove the shackles of state-run industry.

This is the seen as the closest election in recent Venezuelan history and the outcome could dramatically affect the way Venezuela interacts within the world.

The Candidates:

Hugo Chavez

• The Venezuelan leader since 1999, Chavez won a convincing election (he claimed 56% of the vote) to establish a new Venezuela, where the poorest of the country, who were disenchanted with the oligarchy style rule of previous leaders, would benefit from a new socialist future.
• He started a push to alleviate poverty in the country through his Plan Bolivar 2000, alongside this he established his own radio and tv shows, as well as his own newspaper in order to spread the socialist message further throughout the country.
• He also implemented referendums as a way to involve the public with politics.
• In 2000 he won his second election, increasing his share of the vote to 59%.
• Soon after this election Chavez’s foreign policy started to change, first tying himself more closely with Castro’s Cuba and following the invasion of Afghanistan, distancing himself from US politics, becoming a key critic of their foreign policy.
• Chavez also wanted to gain control over the oil industry and set about nationalizing the industry, ensuring that revenue and profit remained in Venezuela. He wanted to promote the idea of ‘energy sovereignty’, where a nation benefits from its own resources, rather than foreign business.
• In 2002, after mass protest, Chavez was forced out of office in a political coup d’etat, however only days after Chavez was reinstated to the Presidency following rallies in his favour.
• Further attempts were made to remove the President, but they failed and this made Chavez all the more radical.
• Chavez firmly established the idea of a Latin American Socialism in which nationalisation, social policies and the promotion a South American unity against the influence of the US and Europe, were all key aspects.
• Under this new banner of Latin American Socialism, Chavez established ALBA, a body supporting South American unity and economic development. He is also a key supporter of other leaders in the ‘New Left’ including Rafael Correa of Ecuador and Evo Morales of Bolivia.
• In recent years his health has been a problem for his continued leadership with the President having to undergo treatment for cancer.

Henrique Capriles

• In 1998 Capriles became the youngest member of the Venezuelan election ever elected (aged 26).
• In 2000 he became the Mayor of Baruta Municipality, an important, cultural and relatively affluent district of Caracas.
• During the 2002 coup the Cuban Embassy, which was located in Baruta, was attacked and following Chavez’s re-establishment as leader, Capriles was arrested for encouraging violence. He was later cleared of all charges.
• Moving on up in Venezuelan politics Capriles then became the Governor of Miranda province. The province is the second most populous and has the country’s highest HDI.
• He gave up the position as Governor in order to run as the opposition candidate, claiming a 64% share of the vote to confirm his nomination as the opposition.
• He has named former Brazilian leader, Lula da Silva, as his inspiration.
• During his campaign Capriles has faced fierce criticism from sections of the media that support Chavez, attacking his Jewish ancestry.

The Issues:

Social Spending & Business:

Both candidates are advocates for government funding for social projects, including healthcare, housing, education etc. Capriles argues that development in Venezuela should be achieved by encouraging wider economic development and private business, alongside  support and funding from central government that benefits the big social projects implemented under Chavez.

However Chavez wants to go further on his drive for a Bolivarian Revolution and socialism in the region by promoting even bigger social projects and nationally owned industrial schemes, both in urban and rural Venezuela. Although Chavez’s plans do indeed benefit a large section of society, who were largely marginalised before he took power, many fear a deepening socialism in the country that would further hamper the growth of businesses.

Oil & Business:

Venezuela is a world leader in oil production and so it only natural that this industry has taken a central role in the election. Chavez has maintained his national control of the oil industry and this move has had global implications. Through his Petrocaribe scheme nations like, Cuba and Nicaragua had benefited from low oil cost. As a vocal member of OPEC he has maintained the high price for global oil and he has supplied nations, like Syria (boycotted by others), with a supply of oil.

It is not clear what Capriles would do with the industry but considering his more general framework for business and development in the country, it is likely that the industry may be opened up to greater competition, ending the preferential treatment of certain states and allowing a wider global market greater access to Venezuela’s oil.

Foreign Relations

Whilst Chavez maintained relation with nations, such as Belarus and Iran, that saw him isolated from the Western political sphere, Capriles has publicly declared that he would reduce Venezuela’s connections to these sort of countries instead increasing the relations with other Latin American nations and Western nations, again in a style similar to Brazil.

Capriles has also stated that one of his main roles is to ensure greater connections between them Venezuelan government, the Colombian government and the rebel group FARC.

The Problems:

Violence

The campaign has already been marred by violence. Three Capriles supporters were shot dead last month as they took part in a rally in President Chavez’s home state of Barinas. This was only one incident among many that have occurred since the campaign started and in the last few weeks as attention around the election has intensified so has the violence.

Crime

Venezuela has one of the highest murder rates in the region, 48 per 100,000 inhabitants and under Chavez this has not reduced very much, however under Capriles the province of Miranda has seen its crime rate reduced and this has been a big factor for the voters in deciding who to vote for.

Ultimately socialism will remain a key factor in Venezuelan society. Both Chavez and Capriles want to maintain the social projects that have been established in the country however their approach to social projects is very different. Chavez’s encourages an aggressive form a socialism that has seen nationalisation of key industries and strict controls on business and society. Capriles has gone for a different approach that has seen him encourage development through business and progress through the free market and a more open society that sees greater global integration.

The Result

In the end the legacy of Chavez’s rule in Venezuela was too much for Capriles and early this morning Chavez was confirmed as the leader of Venezuela for a fourth term in office. Following the announcement, Chavez said that this election was a victory for socialism in Latin America and that this victory would allow him to deepen the Bolivarian Revolution that he had started. Capriles was gracious in defeat but argued that Chavez must recognise the significant proportion of the country who had voted against the leader (in the end Capriles won 44.97% of the vote compared to Chavez’s 54.42%).

It was the closest the opposition in Venezuela had got to toppling Chavez in an election and Capriles said that the seeds they had sown in this election would continue to grow. For Chavez the close race does seem to have impacted him, with a conciliatory note to his speech, claiming he wanted to be a better leader in Venezuela and represent more of the population. Whether this concession actually impacts on his politics is to be seen as Chavez will clearly see this election as further validation of the path he has taken Venezuela down.

Whatever the specifics of Chavez’s politics will be, what is clear is that the socialism of the country will power forward becoming more a part of the country and the infrastructure of South America as a whole. As Chavez cheered from the Miraflores palace:

“Viva Venezuela! Viva the fatherland! The battle was perfect and the victory was perfect,”

By Peter Banham

Cover Photo: Jorge Silva/Reuters