Abstract:

Bolivia is one of the poorest and least developed countries in Latin America despite the richness of its natural resources. Following the colonial period, Bolivia gained its independence from Spain in 1825. Successive periods of dictatorship and democracy are one of the main characteristics of Bolivian politics, as well as most of other Latin American countries. On the other hand, in terms of indigenous population, Bolivia is one of the highest ranking Latin American countries. Since the 1980s neo-liberal economic policies imposed by the US and international financial institutions, have increased the income gap in this poor country. The struggles based on class consciousness of the 1980s have been replaced by the struggles for the rights of indigenous peoples in 2000s. In particular, resistance of Aymara people is an important element of social movements for indigenous identity in Bolivia. However, the most noteworthy development regarding Bolivia is the process of privatization of water resources and services by the municipality of Cochabamba as a result of World Bank’s demands in the 1990s. In response to the privatization efforts, protests and demonstrations of different social sectors, has led to the emergence of the the Coordinadora in Defense of Water and Life, Coordinadora in short. As a result of this resistance movement which is called the Water Wars, the administration has taken a step back and cancelled the privatization decision. Another significant component of the social movements in Bolivia is coca producers who are called Cocaleros. Since it is a base ingredient of cocaine, the United States has been trying to prohibit coca production forcing Bolivia to take initiatives in accordance. However, these prohibition efforts are particularly unacceptable for indigenous peoples. Production of coca is important for Bolivian economy. Moreover, for centuries Andes people have been traditionally cultivating and using coca for medical cultural and religious purposes. The struggle of the coca farmers has presented one of the most important figures of Bolivia, Evo Morales into the political life. As an Aymara, Morales began his political career as a Cocalero leader and became the first ever indigenous president in Bolivia, when his party MAS (Movement towards Socialism - Movimiento al Socialismo) won December 2005 elections with 54% of votes. One of the most important aspects of the political process that led to the presidency of Morales is that the continuing struggle of different sectors of society with their strong will against neo-liberal economic policies, as well as their determination to end 500 years of discrimination against indigenous peoples in the country. For this purpose, local communities, indigenous groups, unions, federations of workers and peasants have joined their forces to create one of the most important examples of social movements in current politics. The aim of this study is to analyze the role of these social movements, especially Cochabamba resistance in 2000s which brought MAS to power and made Evo Morales the first indigenous president of Bolivia. Transnational characteristics and common interests against neo-liberal economic policies of these social movements have helped the political transformation which is reflected in the 2009 Constitution of Bolivia

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