Date of Award

2016

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Social Sciences

First Advisor

Khemraj, Tarron

Area of Concentration

Economics

Abstract

This thesis analyzes Bolivia’s economic growth since Evo Morales assumed the presidency in 2005. Firstly, it summarizes the economic and political history of the country since the National Revolution of 1952, looking specifically at the economic crises and policies that have shaped the country’s current stage of development. This offers a context to view Evo Morales’ presidency. Secondly, this thesis uses the natural resource curse framework to question the sustainability of the country’s commodity boom driven growth. Through this lens, it is clear that Bolivia is insufficiently addressing long-standing and fundamental economic issues. Lastly, this thesis looks at the factors responsible for the decline in inequality, including an analysis of the expansion of Bolivia’s social transfer program. The results of this analysis indicate that Evo Morales has not followed through on his promises to transform the country; instead he has largely preserved the systems of his predecessors.

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