The Latin American Studies Association (LASA) is the largest association for scholars of Latin American studies . Founded in 1966, it has over 12,000 members, 45 percent of whom reside outside the United States (36 percent in Latin America and the Caribbean), LASA brings together experts on Latin America from all disciplines and diverse occupational endeavors, across the globe.
15-482: The Coordinadora Democrática Nicaragüense ( Democratic Coordinating Committee , CDN) was a coalition of three right-wing Nicaraguan parties which decided not to participate in the 1984 Nicaraguan general election and that won the 1990 Nicaraguan general election with more political parties and renamed as National Opposition Union . The parties were the Social Christians , the (right-wing) Social Democrats , and
30-516: A 75% turnout, with 94% of eligible voters registered. Impartial observers from international groupings such as the European Economic Community , religious groups sent to monitor the election, and observers from democratic nations such as Canada and Ireland concluded that the elections were generally free and fair. The election date, 4 November was selected so that Nicaragua would have a legitimate, elected government in place before
45-558: A legal, tax exempt organization, "non-profit professional body created by scholarly area specialists to meet their particular and growing needs." The incorporation of the LASA was the culmination of a long process to create such an organization after the failure of a previous attempt. In April 1958, Howard F. Cline , Director of the Hispanic Foundation of the Library of Congress (1952–71) and
60-521: The Constitutional Liberal Party . This article about a Nicaragua political party is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . 1984 Nicaraguan general election Daniel Ortega FSLN Daniel Ortega FSLN General elections were held in Nicaragua on 4 November 1984, to elect a president and parliament. Approximately 1.2 million Nicaraguans voted, representing
75-476: The Social Christians , Social Democrats , and the Constitutional Liberal Party , calling itself the 'Democratic Coordinating Committee' (Coordinadora), decided to abstain from the elections on the grounds that the opposition parties had been given insufficient 'guarantees,' and not enough time to prepare for the elections. The Coordinadora's abstentionism was publicly supported by the US government, which hoped to challenge
90-577: The 1984 vote as a ' Soviet -style sham', despite contrary opinions from external observers such as Baron Chitnis , the Latin American Studies Association , and the international press. It escalated its diplomatic and propaganda campaign against the Sandinista government and increased military aid to the Contras . "This undercut the new regime's legitimacy abroad and frustrated its hopes that
105-656: The 1984 vote might smooth the way at home." May 1985 saw a trade embargo imposed, followed by $ 27m of "non-lethal" aid to the Contras , supplemented by $ 37m of secret "lethal" aid. This led to the October 1985 reimposition of a State of Emergency in Nicaragua. All parties except the FSLN were awarded an additional seat for the party's unsuccessful presidential candidate. Latin American Studies Association LASA
120-862: The ACLS organized a conference to explore the creation of a coordinating body for Latin American area studies. In 1959, the ACLS and the SSRC formed the Joint Committee on Latin American Studies, which ultimately led to the founding of LASA as an organization. The Constitution and Bylaws of the Latin American Studies Association were published in the Latin American Research Review in 1966. LASA's first President after its 1966 incorporation
135-845: The LASA International Congress. Featuring over 900 sessions, including plenary sessions and informal meetings, the Congress is the world's premier forum for expert discussion on Latin America and the Caribbean. At the 1992 LASA Congress in Los Angeles, scholars specializing in Brazil founded the Brazilian Studies Association (BRASA). BRASA now holds independent biennial meetings. LASA publishes an interdisciplinary scholarly journal,
150-555: The anticipated reelection of U.S. president Ronald Reagan on 6 November. "The Sandinistas hoped that a competitive election with heavy turnout would deter a U.S. military intervention and reassure the FSLN's defenders. So the Sandinistas' decision to hold elections in 1984 was largely of foreign inspiration". Between 1982 and 1984 the FSLN negotiated with the opposition on the proposed Political Parties Law and Electoral Law, and ultimately these were modified "in response to several of
165-637: The legitimacy of the November elections by alleging that opposition sectors were not able to participate. But despite US intervention and the Coordinadora abstention seven political parties took part in the November elections. The three center-right/right-wing parties which put forward candidates were the PCDN, PLI, and PPSC. The three opposing left-wing parties were the PSN, PC de N and MAPML." The Reagan administration denounced
SECTION 10
#1732844701298180-468: The opposition's most significant demands." Similarly, multiple extensions of the deadline for candidate registration were granted whilst talks with the Coordinadora continued. It has been argued that "probably a key factor in preventing the 1984 elections from establishing liberal democratic rule was the United States' policy toward Nicaragua." The Reagan administration was divided over whether or not
195-418: The rightwing coalition Coordinadora Democrática Nicaragüense should participate in the elections, which "only complicated the efforts of the Coordinadora to develop a coherent electoral strategy." Ultimately the US administration public and private support for non-participation allowed those members of the Coordinadora who favoured a boycott to gain the upper hand. A coalition of right-wing parties including
210-714: Was founded in 1966 following a meeting sponsored by the Joint Committee on Latin American Studies (composed of the Social Science Research Council (SSRC) and the American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS), held at the Hispanic Foundation (now the Hispanic Division) of the Library of Congress , May 7, 1966. LASA's constitution and bylaws were drafted and on May 12, 1966 it was incorporated in Washington, D.C., as
225-549: Was political scientist Kalman Silvert , who published extensively on Latin American political systems and conflict. LASA honors Silvert's memory with a major prize. LASA's mission is "to foster intellectual discussion, research, and teaching on Latin America, the Caribbean, and its people throughout the Americas, promote the interests of its diverse membership, and encourage civic engagement through network building and public debate." Every year, specialists on Latin America gather at
#297702