Political rhetoric in Latin America

This paper sought to identify differences and similarities in the anti-imperialist and anti-capitalist rhetoric of the heads of state of Ecuador (Rafael Correa) and Bolivia (Evo Morales). To this end, fragments of discourse from speeches given by both leaders were selected on the basis of thematic aspects. The rhetoric of the two leaders was then analysed separately so that the findings could ultimately be compared in a side-by-side comparison. The comparison revealed that both Correa and Morales focus on constructing external threats to the sovereignty of their states and of all Latin American states in order to strengthen their domestic political positions on the one hand and to promote Latin American integration on the other. The two do not differ significantly in their criticism of capitalism. However, they describe different forms of imperialism as threats. While Morales clearly portrays the USA as an enemy, Correa's view is less clear. Both use political battle cries in their rhetoric, sometimes in ways that are difficult to understand.