The Institute for Policy Studies is pleased to invite you to a video discussion
Deflating Bolivia Hyperbole in the US
featuring Kathryn Ledebur
Director, Andean Information Network (AIN)
Cochabamba, Bolivia


In many ways, perceptions of Bolivia in the US resemble a Rorschach test on which to project one's fears, dogmas or utopian visions. In reality, Bolivian political and social dynamics are complex, constantly shifting, and impossible to force into preconceived external formulas. Neither an Andean socialist paradise nor an extension of the "Venezuelan-Iran-Cuba axis of the Bolivarian Revolution," recent reports perpetuate stale stereotypes and misconceptions and prevent a balanced evaluation of the challenges faced in Bolivia. This briefing will deconstruct one such recent publication Into the Abyss: Bolivia Under Evo Morales and the MAS as a typical case study and offer a deeper, more nuanced analysis of recent developments.

Link to the video discussion: http://www.viddler.com/explore/InstPolcyStdys/videos/2/

Since 1999, Kathryn Ledebur has directed the Andean Information Network (AIN), wich promotes human rights and socioeconomic justice in Bolivia and more humane and effective illicit drug control policies. AIN provides information and analysis to NGO colleagues, the media and international policymakers on developments in Bolivia and the impact of U.S. government and European policies.

Book Presentation

Our good friends Ben Kohl and Linda Farthing are presenting their newest book this Monday July 13th in the ex-Martadero. Co-written with Felix Muruchi the book is titled "Minero con Poder de Dinamita: La vida de un activista boliviano", Plural Editores 2009.

Felix lives in El Alto and is quite an amazing person whose history includes exile during the dictatorships. Linda and Ben also authored Impasse In Bolivia: Neoliberal Hegemony and Popular Resistance (Zed Books 2006) a great history of Bolivia that we recommend to all of our volunteers.

So join us Monday for the presentation:

Ex-mARTadero Monday July 13th, at 17:00
Calle 27 de agosto y Ollantay
Esq. Ladislao Cabrera
www.martadero.org

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!!