Die Macht politischer Diskurse: Indigene Bewegung, lokale Proteste und die Politik indigener Führungspersönlichkeiten in Bolivien

Abstract

Since the 90s several political discourses either produced by indigenous leaders or geared towards the indigenous population are competing in the political arena in Bolivia. There are discourses based on confrontation, where "the indigenous” is presented as opposed to "the white”, in some cases including racist elements. Another type of discourses proclaims peaceful coexistence in a pluricultural Bolivia and recognizes ethnic differences. Third there are discourses based on the idea of a mestizo society. The peasants´ movement is suffering harsh divisions, which are driven by personal political ambitions of some indigenous leaders. However, the indigenous question is back on the political agenda. Its key issues are major representation and participation in state institutions and decision-making-processes, and the established political forces are under pressure to define positions which go beyond merely symbolic offers.