They absolutely reflect the level of frustration with politics in Paraguay, and with the entrenched power of the political elite that uses public institutions for their own benefit instead of providing public services.

Political scientist Gustavo Setrini profiles Paraguay's Primavera Estudiantil (Student Spring) movement, and explains how the democratic reform agenda of university students and their allies reflects widespread disatisfaction with elite rule and corruption across the country, and presents an opening for a mass movement to challenge an increasingly authoritarian state.

Gustavo wrote Paraguay's Student Spring for NACLA.

Guest

Gustavo Setrini

Gustavo Setrini is a Paraguayan political scientist and assistant professor of Food Studies at NYU’s Steinhardt School of Education, Culture, and Human Development.

Paraguay's Student Spring challenges elite power beyond the university.

Gustavo Setrini

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