Social media is changing the nature of state-society relations in dramatic ways. This is particularly evident in Latin America where an emerging middle class with access to social media tools are redefining how democracy is conceptualized and exercised. This will be the focus of a public lecture on June 5 by Ricardo Lagos, the former president of Chile. Mr Lagos will describe how Latin America’s emerging middle class and the advent of social media are changing democracy.
President Lagos is a lawyer and an economist by training. During the 1980s he was an outspoken critic of the dictatorship of General Augusto Pinochet and played a pivotal role in restoring democracy to Chile. In 2000, he was elected president and served a six-year term, leaving office with a more than 70% approval rating. Under his presidency, poverty in Chile was significantly reduced, major improvements were made in infrastructure, compulsory schooling was extended to 12 years, an unemployment insurance system was established, free trade agreements with major economies were signed, and monetary compensation to the victims of torture under the dictatorship was authorized. President Lagos’ main legacy is regarded as having put Chile on the path to middle income status.
On leaving office, Mr Lagos founded the Democracy and Development Foundation, which promotes informed debate on inclusive economic and political development.
When: Tuesday, June 5, 2012, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: IDRC, W. David Hopper Room, 150 Kent Street, 8th floor, Ottawa ON
This event is free but seating is limited so please register.
French and English simultaneous interpretation will be available.
Can't be here in person? Join the Live webcast at www.idrc.ca/lectures-lagos (at 10:00, Ottawa time). Questions may be submitted during the talk and will be answered as time permits. There is no need to register to join the webcast.
Information: 613 696-2101