Democracy and Development in Central America: Models and Strategies for Strengthening Civil Society and Fostering Sustainable Economic Growth

Authors

Presenter(s)

Diana Paola Bencomo Miralles, Morgan N. Ciolek, Mercy M. John, Mariana Marquez, Olivia M. Palumbo, Flavio Pinho De Almeida Reis, Kathryn E. Riddle, Alexia Siakwan-Adusei

Comments

Presentation: 3:20-4:20, Kennedy Union 310

Files

Description

This panel presents the collaborative work of the International Studies capstone seminar with two international, non-profit organizations focused on democracy and development in Central America. In partnership with Cristosal, students have researched models and strategies that could serve to counter growing authoritarianism and strengthen civil society in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. Focusing on a broad array of comparative cases from Latin America and Africa, they have examined popular and civic engagement and education models; youth and social media’s role in political activism; strategies for empowering women and reducing gender-based violence; and how the breakdown of democracy affects the business community and erodes economic well-being. Students also are partnering with Counterpart International to support small farmer coffee cooperatives in Guatemala through researching alternatives to multinational, corporate models. In addition to examining models such as the Catholic Ethical Purchasing Alliance, they are investigating trade flows between Guatemala and the United States to better understand how to support these market alternatives. Finally, students are conducting market research on the feasibility of selling ethically sourced coffee on campus, in the city of Dayton, and throughout Ohio, as well as raising awareness of the importance of socially responsible purchasing decisions. In their presentations, students will discuss their main conclusions from their research, the impact of their advocacy work, and future steps that other students at the University of Dayton can take to build upon their initial efforts to support the work of Cristosal and Counterpart International. They also will highlight the economic exploitation, social injustice, political repression, and racism that is the legacy of colonialism, neo-colonialism, and US intervention in Central America and the historical context for the work they are doing.

Publication Date

4-17-2024

Project Designation

Capstone Project

Primary Advisor

Tracey Lynn Jaffe

Primary Advisor's Department

History

Keywords

Stander Symposium, College of Arts and Sciences

Institutional Learning Goals

Critical Evaluation of Our Times; Scholarship; Diversity

Recommended Citation

"Democracy and Development in Central America: Models and Strategies for Strengthening Civil Society and Fostering Sustainable Economic Growth" (2024). Stander Symposium Projects. 3664.
https://ecommons.udayton.edu/stander_posters/3664