This chapter examines the influence of authoritarian constitutionalism in Latin America. Mainly focused on the “founding period” of regional constitutionalism (1850-1880), the paper claims that, in spite of the fact that authoritarian constitutional lacks today most of the influence that it used to have, it continues to represent a powerful force within regional constitutionalism. The author suggests that the vast majority of Latin American Constitutions continue to organize their “structure of powers” according to an imperfect and unstable liberal-conservative model; and also that this flawed structure allows a recurrent re-emergence and occasional re-invigoration of authoritarian impulses within regional constitutionalism.
We look forward to welcoming you on July 3-5, 2023 for our Annual Conference entitled "Islands and Ocean: Public Law in a Plural World." The conference will take place at the Victoria University of Wellington, in New Zealand. We will be announcing more details about the conference soon, including financial support to early career and global south scholars!