Latin American History Late: Authoritarian Regimes
In the context of the Global Cold War, Latin America experienced a wave of military and authoritarian regimes, some of which lasted decades. As the twentieth century came to a close, most countries had returned to democratic rule. Join Anna Grimaldi to explore how memories of violence and state repression remain strong in Latin America.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
This session introduces you to the modern history of Latin America, with a particular focus on the rise and fall of authoritarian and military regimes in the 20th century. Together, we will explore how countries such as Argentina, Chile, Brazil, and Guatemala experienced dictatorship, resistance, and transition back to democracy. Along the way, we will also consider how societies remember these periods today and how the past continues to shape the present.
What will we cover?
We will explore key themes and case studies, including:
The political and social context leading to military and authoritarian rule
Life under dictatorship: repression, resistance, and everyday experiences
Case studies of Argentina, Chile, Brazil, and Guatemala
Human rights violations and the role of international actors
Transitions to democracy and their challenges
Memory, memorials, truth commissions, and reconciliation processes
Sessions will combine historical background with discussion, encouraging you to engage with different perspectives and interpretations.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Discuss and name key events surrounding the authoritarian and military regimes that took place in 20th century Latin America
Compare and contrast different experiences of Argentina, Chile, Brazil, and Guatemala in this context
Understand the legacies of these regimes and how they are remembered today.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is open to anyone with an interest in Latin American history, memory, authoritarianism, or democratic transitions. No prior specialist knowledge is required-just curiosity, willingness to engage, and an openness to discussion.
.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Teaching will take the form of an interactive lecture combined with questions and room for discussion. You will be encouraged to share ideas, ask questions, and reflect on different viewpoints.
There is no required work outside class, but optional readings and resources may be suggested if you would like to explore topics in more depth.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Anna Grimaldi is a lecturer in politics and international relations at the University of Leeds. Her work focuses on themes of dictatorship, political resistance, and transnational solidarity. She has written on exile and solidarity activism in the context of Brazil's military dictatorship of 1964 to 1985, some of which has been published in her recent book - Brazil and the Transnational Human Rights Movement. Anna's more recent research examines solidarity activism and social movements across and between Latin America and the "Global South", particularly the ways in which social movements and political projects of the past are called upon by activists in the present through artistic and cultural production. Anna has taught at City Lit for three years and is keen to teach despite now living in Leeds.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/latin-american-history-late-authoritarian-regimes3075004Latin American History Late: Authoritarian Regimes https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/l/a/latin_american_history_late_authoritarian_regimes.jpg1919GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/The Caribbean & Americas/Courses/Online courses/Courses/vm/Black history month228511771178118017311347812285117711781653<p>In the context of the Global Cold War, Latin America experienced a wave of military and authoritarian regimes, some of which lasted decades. As the twentieth century came to a close, most countries had returned to democratic rule. Join Anna Grimaldi to explore how memories of violence and state repression remain strong in Latin America. </p>003031087Latin American History Late: Authoritarian Regimes 1919https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/l/a/latin_american_history_late_authoritarian_regimes_1.jpgInStockEveningTueOnlineAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekday2026-09-22T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allSep 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHAH1181919Latin American History Late: Authoritarian Regimes 191219Anna Grimaldilatin-american-history-late-authoritarian-regimes/hah118-2627<p>In the context of the Global Cold War, Latin America experienced a wave of military and authoritarian regimes, some of which lasted decades. As the twentieth century came to a close, most countries had returned to democratic rule. Join Anna Grimaldi to explore how memories of violence and state repression remain strong in Latin America. </p>0000-Available|2026-09-22 00:00:00<p>This session introduces you to the modern history of Latin America, with a particular focus on the rise and fall of authoritarian and military regimes in the 20th century. Together, we will explore how countries such as Argentina, Chile, Brazil, and Guatemala experienced dictatorship, resistance, and transition back to democracy. Along the way, we will also consider how societies remember these periods today and how the past continues to shape the present.</p><p>In the context of the Global Cold War, Latin America experienced a wave of military and authoritarian regimes, some of which lasted decades. As the twentieth century came to a close, most countries had returned to democratic rule. Join Anna Grimaldi to explore how memories of violence and state repression remain strong in Latin America. </p><p>We will explore key themes and case studies, including:</p><ul><li>The political and social context leading to military and authoritarian rule</li><li>Life under dictatorship: repression, resistance, and everyday experiences</li><li>Case studies of Argentina, Chile, Brazil, and Guatemala</li><li>Human rights violations and the role of international actors</li><li>Transitions to democracy and their challenges</li><li>Memory, memorials, truth commissions, and reconciliation processes</li></ul><p>Sessions will combine historical background with discussion, encouraging you to engage with different perspectives and interpretations.</p><ul><li>Discuss and name key events surrounding the authoritarian and military regimes that took place in 20th century Latin America</li><li>Compare and contrast different experiences of Argentina, Chile, Brazil, and Guatemala in this context</li><li>Understand the legacies of these regimes and how they are remembered today. </li></ul><p>This course is open to anyone with an interest in Latin American history, memory, authoritarianism, or democratic transitions. No prior specialist knowledge is required-just curiosity, willingness to engage, and an openness to discussion.</p> .<p>Teaching will take the form of an interactive lecture combined with questions and room for discussion. You will be encouraged to share ideas, ask questions, and reflect on different viewpoints.</p><p>There is no required work outside class, but optional readings and resources may be suggested if you would like to explore topics in more depth.</p><p>There are no additional course costs.</p><p>Join Anna for the following Late Lecture:</p><p><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/latin-american-history-late-che-guevara-s-revolutions" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Latin American History Late: Che Guevara's Revolutions</a></p><p> </p>HistoryThe Caribbean & Americasvirtual191912HAH118NONETue22/09/2619:30 - 21:0019:3021:001 session1One-off onlyEveningWeekdayOnlineOnlineAnna GrimaldiBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-09-22T00:00:00+00:00Sep 2026Culture, history & humanities1919Latin American History Late: Authoritarian Regimes latin-american-history-late-authoritarian-regimes/hah118-2627<p>In the context of the Global Cold War, Latin America experienced a wave of military and authoritarian regimes, some of which lasted decades. As the twentieth century came to a close, most countries had returned to democratic rule. Join Anna Grimaldi to explore how memories of violence and state repression remain strong in Latin America. </p>0000-Available|2026-09-22 00:00:00<p>This session introduces you to the modern history of Latin America, with a particular focus on the rise and fall of authoritarian and military regimes in the 20th century. Together, we will explore how countries such as Argentina, Chile, Brazil, and Guatemala experienced dictatorship, resistance, and transition back to democracy. Along the way, we will also consider how societies remember these periods today and how the past continues to shape the present.</p><p>In the context of the Global Cold War, Latin America experienced a wave of military and authoritarian regimes, some of which lasted decades. As the twentieth century came to a close, most countries had returned to democratic rule. Join Anna Grimaldi to explore how memories of violence and state repression remain strong in Latin America. </p><p>We will explore key themes and case studies, including:</p><ul><li>The political and social context leading to military and authoritarian rule</li><li>Life under dictatorship: repression, resistance, and everyday experiences</li><li>Case studies of Argentina, Chile, Brazil, and Guatemala</li><li>Human rights violations and the role of international actors</li><li>Transitions to democracy and their challenges</li><li>Memory, memorials, truth commissions, and reconciliation processes</li></ul><p>Sessions will combine historical background with discussion, encouraging you to engage with different perspectives and interpretations.</p><ul><li>Discuss and name key events surrounding the authoritarian and military regimes that took place in 20th century Latin America</li><li>Compare and contrast different experiences of Argentina, Chile, Brazil, and Guatemala in this context</li><li>Understand the legacies of these regimes and how they are remembered today. </li></ul><p>This course is open to anyone with an interest in Latin American history, memory, authoritarianism, or democratic transitions. No prior specialist knowledge is required-just curiosity, willingness to engage, and an openness to discussion.</p> .<p>Teaching will take the form of an interactive lecture combined with questions and room for discussion. You will be encouraged to share ideas, ask questions, and reflect on different viewpoints.</p><p>There is no required work outside class, but optional readings and resources may be suggested if you would like to explore topics in more depth.</p><p>There are no additional course costs.</p><p>Join Anna for the following Late Lecture:</p><p><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/latin-american-history-late-che-guevara-s-revolutions" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Latin American History Late: Che Guevara's Revolutions</a></p><p> </p>HistoryThe Caribbean & Americasconfigurable
11801178The Caribbean & Americashttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/history/american-history1/2/285/1177/1178/11801/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/The Caribbean & Americas