The truth seems to be that the left everywhere has a problem collaborating, even with like minded groups and people. That is certainly true in the Republic of Colombia where “caudillismo” among leaders of the left all too often “trumps” the quest for electoral success. Another problem of the left in many places involves an inability to bridge the transition from opposition (cool, admired but without requiring development of responsible detailed alternatives) to governing. A notable exception, of course Uruguay and José Mujica. We need to find a way out of that circular firing squad if we’re ever to succeed.

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Guillermo Calvo Mahé is a writer, political commentator and academic currently residing in the Republic of Colombia although he has primarily lived in the United States of America (of which he is a citizen). Until recently he chaired the political science, government and international relations programs at the Universidad Autónoma de Manizales. He has academic degrees in political science (the Citadel), law (St. John’s University), international legal studies (New York University) and translation studies (the University of Florida’s Center for Latin American Studies). He can be contacted at wacalvo3@autonoma.edu.co or guillermo.calvo.mahe@gmail.com and much of his writing is available through his blog at www.guillermocalvo.com.

Guillermo Calvo Mahé

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Guillermo Calvo Mahé (a sometime poet) is a writer, political commentator and academic currently residing in the Republic of Colombia.