My narrowed research topic is the philosophy of Hugo Chavez and how he cultivated the movement known as the Bolivarian Revolution, with him at the forefront. I am interested in what personal experiences shaped his mindset, as well as how it led him to view his own position of power as justified. I intend to focus on the figure of Chavez himself, as opposed to an analysis of his success (for example).
Primary Source:
Chavez, Hugo. “My First Life: Conversations with Ignacio Ramonet.” Translated by Ann Wright. Verso Books, Brooklyn, New York. 2016.
Secondary Sources:
Cannon, Barry. “Hugo Chavez and the Bolivarian Revolution: Populism and Democracy in a Globalized Age.” Manchester University Press, New York City. 2009.
Ellner, Steve. “Hugo Chávez’s First Decade in Office: Breakthroughs and Shortcomings.” Latin American Perspectives, vol. 37, no. 1, 2010, pp. 77–96. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/20684699. Accessed 18 Feb. 2020.
Frajman, Eduardo. “Broadcasting Populist Leadership: Hugo Chávez and ‘Aló Presidente.’” Journal of Latin American Studies, vol. 46, no. 3, 2014, pp. 501–526., www.jstor.org/stable/24544171. Accessed 18 Feb. 2020.\
Marsh, Hazel. “Alí Primera and Hugo Chávez in the 1990s: ‘Together in Hope and Song’”. In: Hugo Chávez, Alí Primera and Venezuela. Palgrave Studies in the History of Subcultures and Popular Music. Palgrave Macmillan, London. 2016, pp. 117-136.
This is a great research topic as he is a controversial figure in the Latin American history. I heard different things while taking to Venezuelans. I would like to see your specific research question to guide you clearer.
One good primary source to look at is the footage from 1990. It was his speech about why he wanted to start the war. He said, “I wanted to bring peace”. The video is very important in the history. I could send you the link if you’d like to.
It will be interesting to see how his life has impacted his leadership. Looking at the various facets of his identity. I think could also be cool to look at some of the most important figures in his life and whether their ideologies ultimately shaped his as well.
This is a really intriguing topic! Whenever I read history books and learn about political leaders I always wonder what led them to gain the power they did and how other people accepted it. It will be interesting to see how developments throughout his life led him to that political status.
This sounds great, Alex! I like the suggestion you look at videos of his speeches as well.