19th Annual Student Research Conference
Social Science
Political Transitions and Economic Growth:
The Effects of Leftist Governments on Economic Growth in Latin America
Nathan A. Butchli
Dr. John Quinn, Faculty Mentor
Latin American politics appear to be undergoing a region-wide leftward shift in its politics. Many feel that this shift is in reaction to previous externally imposed policies of economic liberalization. Nonetheless, this raises an interesting question: will new policies associated with social welfare policies, instead of pro-growth policies, lead to lower levels of economic growth? The effect of leftward politics is tested for its effects on growth, though traditionally explanations for economic growth are also included (e.g., unemployment, inflation, debt, imports and exports, foreign direct investment, official development aid, and foreign debt). This paper attempts to answer such questions using a multivariate regression analysis of economic indicators between 1992 and 2000.
Keywords: leftist government, economic growth, Latin America, economic indicators, structure adjustment
Topic(s):Political Science
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 56-2
Location: OP 2210
Time: 3:00