Rethinking Protestantism and Democratic Consolidation in Latin America

Abstract

This article summarizes the theoretical and empirical bases for thinking that Protestant growth may contribute to democratic consolidation in Latin America. The literature and theorizing about Protestantism and democratic consolidation offers an incomplete understanding of how economic and social structures constrain and enable the political strategies pursued by religious leaders. The article draws on the empirical literature and attempts to theorize new directions for the study of Protestant politics and the Protestant contribution to democratic consolidation.