Latin
America is one of the most violent regions in the world. The region has suffered
waves of violence characterized by interstate wars between Latin American
countries, high rates of criminal violence promoted by gangs, violent protests,
and repressive authoritarian regimes (Dueck-Read 6). The façade of intervention
by Western nations, nations mostly the US and France, has only exacerbated the
situation. Endemic violence in the Latin American region has inadvertently
shaped the political and social systems of this region (Bernasconi 12). Article
19 of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights asserts, that freedom of
opinion and expression is an inalienable right for everyone (Hoffmann 2). It
gives people the freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek,
produce, and receive information through any medium, irrespective of location.
Juxtaposing the Latin region in the context of Article 19 provisions, it
becomes apparent that it has failed to protect citizens’ rights. The rampant
and uncontrolled violence has created a state of anarchy in nations, mostly
driven by political expediency. Women and children have been the brunt of this
political violence as numerous cases of human rights abuses continue to be
reported (Cruz 3). This study aims to explore the mediating role of violence in
shaping Latin American politics and society. Additionally, it illuminates the
structural failures that have allowed political and human rights abuses to
persist.
This
study will adopt a social constructivist theory. This assumes that human beings
are inherently driven by an insatiable urge to understand the world in which
they live (Tesche and Heine 5). Experiences shape people’s feelings and
opinions of the world around them. Using this social constructivist theory,
this study will conduct a qualitative evaluation of the role of political
violence and human rights abuse in shaping Latin American politics and society.
It would be an add on of what I already have.