The persistence of polarization surrounding periods of political violence in Latin America countries: the cases of Peru and Uruguay

Abstract

Periods of political violence were common phenomena in Latin America during the 20th century. The level of polarization in relation to them is determined by several elements. The objective of the research is to analyze the persistence of polarization around the periods of political violence that Peru and Uruguay went through during the 20th century. The article argues that the responsible factors for the heightened polarization in Peru, in comparison to Uruguay, are the nature of the conflict that occurred and the prevalence of political actors who participated in it. Under a qualitative approach, it seeks to deepen, from a comparative perspective, the distinction between the construction of narratives that Peru and Uruguay manifested regarding violent periods.