Editing Yashar 1998 (section)

=== The Cases (A Comparative Analysis) ===

Yashar compares the rural politics in Bolivia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, and Peru since 1945 to understand the varying degrees of indigenous mobilization. These indigenous communities have mobilized at regional and national levels to assert their rights/identities and advocate for territorial autonomy, cultural preservation, and political representation.


'''''Ecuadorian Indigenous Movements'''''
*They’ve been instrumental in reshaping rural organizing and influencing state policies on issues such as bicultural education, agrarian reform, and territorial autonomy. The movement coalesced into two significant regional federations, ECUARUNARI in the Andes and CONFENAIE in the Amazon, which later formed the national confederation CONAIE in the 1980s. CONAIE has played a prominent role as the primary representative of Ecuador's indigenous peoples, organizing strikes and protests to contest government policies and propose alternatives. Additionally, indigenous organizations entered the electoral arena in 1996, successfully fielding legislative candidates.


'''''Bolivian Indigenous Movements'''''
*Bolivia's contemporary indigenous movement traces its roots to the late 1960s and early 1970s, with the emergence of the Katarista movement. Initially part of the peasant movement, Kataristas sought to reclaim indigenous autonomy and voices within the national discourse. While the Katarista movement didn’t sustain its political momentum, it left a lasting impact on union and electoral politics. In the 1990s, indigenous organizing intensified in the Bolivian Amazon, led by the regional confederation CIDOB, which played a prominent role in national debates on territorial autonomy and land reform.


'''''Guatemalan Indigenous Movements'''''
*This movement gained momentum with the organization of the Second Continental Meeting of Indigenous and Popular Resistance in 1991. Newly formed Mayan organizations challenged the predominantly class-based discourse of Guatemala's popular movements and advocated for organizations responsive to indigenous communities. These organizations participated in national peace negotiations, resulting in the Accord on Identity and Rights of Indigenous Peoples in 1995. Indigenous popular organizations also formed an electoral coalition, Nukuj Ajpop, which saw success in the 1995 elections.


'''''Mexican Indigenous Movements'''''
*Mexico's indigenous movements garnered national and international attention with the Zapatista rebellion in Chiapas in 1994. While indigenous organizing predated the Zapatistas, their movement challenged the historically limited role of indigenous organizations in Mexico. The EZLN's agenda includes demands for indigenous autonomy and cultural respect, alongside democratization. Despite originating as a subnational movement, the EZLN had a significant national impact, sparking discussions between indigenous communities and negotiations with the Mexican state.

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