Great Decisions: Politics in Latin America

Part of Mead Library's 2023 Great Decisions speaker series. 

Great Decisions: Politics in Latin America Presented by Martin Farrell, Ripon College

Electoral results in Latin America over the past few years have led many observers of the regional political scene to discern a left-wing surge in the hemisphere, reminiscent of the so-called “Pink Tide” that swept the area some 20 years ago. These results include important countries such as Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Peru and Honduras.  What are the reasons behind this trend in the various countries?  What are the similarities and differences between these victorious candidates and parties?  What implications do their ascendency have for the region?

Presenter Bio: Marty Farrell was born in Winona, MN, and graduated from Winona Senior High School.  He earned his BA in Political Science from DePauw University in Greencastle, IN and his MA and Ph.D. from the University of Chicago, in International Relations and Political Science, respectively.  He recently retired after 44 years of college and university teaching, the last 40 at Ripon College.  The author of over 50 peer – reviewed works, he led student and alumni study – abroad experiences eight times and has personally studied and done research in 48 countries on six continents. He has served as a Fellow of the East – West Center of the University of Hawai’i, President of the North Central Council of Latin Americanists, and Executive Director of the Wisconsin Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies, which named him Peace Educator of the Year in 2015.  At Ripon, he also co – directed an International Film Series which brought over 700 international films to the Ripon campus. In terms of public service, Dr. Farrell served on the City of Ripon Police and Fire Commission and represented the city of Ripon on the Fond du Lac County Board of Supervisors for 28 years, including 16 years year as Board Chair, the longest continuous tenure in Fond du Lac County history.  In 2023, he was the first recipient of the Allen J. Buechel Lifetime Achievement Award in Economic Development, bestowed by Envision Greater Fond du Lac, Inc.

Mead Public Library's 2023 Great Decisions Series will occur from 6:30-8PM in the Mead Public Library Rocca Room. Dates, topics, and presenters listed below : 

Sept. 19 - Iran's Protest Movement: Women, Life Freedom Presented by Beth K. Dougherty, Beloit College 

Set. 26 - Politics in Latin America Presented by Martin Farrell, Ripon College

Oct. 3 - Global Famine Presented by Elizabeth Wheat, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay

Oct. 10 - War Crimes Presented by Kevin Kelly, University of Wisconsin-Madison