Populism and autonomy in Latin American regionalism: is there a connection? Perón and Velasco Alvarado as case studies

Populism has been a defining element of Latin American political systems during specific historical periods. Regionalism remains a defining feature of international relations practices in Latin America. Autonomy is one of the leading concepts in the study of foreign policy and regionalism in Latin America. This article analyzes the links between populism, autonomy, and regionalism. It examines whether there is a connection between populist movements and the promotion of regional initiatives that foster autonomist policies. We argue that no inherent link exists between populism and autonomist regionalism; rather, this relationship depends on the specific variety of populism that emerges in each historical context. Based on De La Torre's framework, we identify three distinct varieties of populism in Latin America: classical, neoliberal, and radical. Our analysis examines which varieties of populism fostered connections between autonomy and regionalism, focusing on comparative case studies of Juan Domingo Per & oacute;n's government in Argentina and Juan Velasco Alvarado's administration in Peru.