Abstract

GRACIA LANDAETA, Oscar. Sovereignty and Power: An Arendtian Reflection on Bolivian political experiences. Rev Cien Cult [online]. 2017, vol.21, n.39, pp.35-59. ISSN 2077-3323.

The research focuses on the Arendtian distinction between violence and power. From this, two possible frameworks of understanding of power can be distinguished in political reflection: a traditional one, consummated in the modern idea of national sovereignty; and a different one, based on the notion of concerted action. These two horizons of dissimilar comprehension materialize in the Bolivian experience -in their own respective processes, of course- in two opposing practices: that of official institutionality, bound by the paradigm of violence; and that of "clandestine" groups (indigenous, peasantry), defined by democratic assembly activity. The paper supports the idea that any structural transformation of the Bolivian state must start from the recognition and suitable appropriation of its essential political traditions.

Keywords : Violence; Power; Direct Democracy; Representative Democracy; Sovereignty; Assembly.

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