ABSTRACT
Central American transitions during the past two decades introduced a combination of opportunities (domestic political openings) and threats (dislocations associated with neo-liberal reform) that commonly animate social movement activism. The end to the region’s civil wars, consolidation of competitive elections, and erosion of the power of traditional elites all expanded the space for popular organizing by normalizing political engagement and reducing the associated risks. At the same time, market reforms introduced during this period produced new forms of social stress. As the region underwent privatization, trade liberalization, deregulation and deeper integration into the global market system, new arenas for social struggle have emerged (Robinson 2003; Spalding forthcoming).
