International Crisis Group
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Bolivia | Latin America
Detailed conflict history
CrisisWatch database
Recent reports and briefings
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Bolivia’s history has been marked by political instability and civil unrest. Wide income and power disparities within Latin America’s poorest country have created a culture of militant protest. For much of Bolivia’s history, indigenous peoples have been subjected to a predominantly white ruling minority, with long-running disputes over access to land, natural resources and wealth derived from them. Two further factors have been destabilising: the loss of Bolivia’s sea access – following Bolivia’s defeat in the 1879-1883 Pacific war with Chile –  and cultivation of coca, a profitable livelihood for indigenous peasants but a major source of cocaine.

Left-wing President Evo Morales was elected in December 2005 in a landslide victory, on a platform of strengthening indigenous influence in government. However, the difficulties in drafting a more inclusive and democratic constitution have spurred the autonomy claims of wealthier eastern departments and sparked widespread societal unrest.

Crisis Group follows developments in Bolivia from its Bogotá office. Our reporting focuses on the chronic instability that has characterised Bolivia’s history, on internal political reforms and counter-narcotics policies.

All Crisis Group's reports on Bolivia are listed found below, starting with the most recent.

Articles, op-eds, speeches and media releases can be found under the media section.

Click here for a more detailed history of the country/conflict.


Recent reports & briefings