Alfredo Stroessner ruled Paraguay for three and a half decades; his dictatorship has continued to overshadow the country since his ouster in 1989, despite its formal democratization. His Colorado Party has retained firm control over the state through clientelistic practices. Civil society remains weak after being subjected to “preventive repression” under the dictatorship. Corruption is widespread, with senior political figures linked to organized crime; smuggling and drug trafficking are flourishing. Another Stroessner legacy is neighboring Brazil’s dominant position in Paraguay’s economy, especially in the agriculture sector.
© 2025 by The Regents of the University of California
2025
You do not currently have access to this content.