Los indígenas y su Estado (pluri)nacional

"Los indígenas y su Estado (pluri)nacional: una mirada al proceso constituyente boliviano" by Luis Fernando Garcés V. is a book that explores the relationship between indigenous peoples and the state in Bolivia, particularly focusing on the country's transition to a plurinational state. Here is a comprehensive overview of the book, including key themes, plot summary, and critical reception:

Key Themes

1. Indigenous Autonomy: The book delves into the efforts of indigenous organizations, particularly CONAMAQ, to revalorize traditional political, juridical, economic, agricultural, and spiritual practices. It emphasizes the importance of autonomy for indigenous communities and their struggle against forced assimilation and exclusion.

2. Plurinational State: The book examines the institutional shifts in Bolivia under President Evo Morales, aiming to respect indigenous rights. However, it critiques the (neo)liberal understanding of a homogenous indigenous subject, arguing that this understanding continues to drive the Proceso de Cambio (Process of Change) in Bolivia.

3. Hegemony and Plurinationality: The author analyzes the theoretical conflict between hegemony and plurinationality, highlighting the challenges in constructing official indigenous autonomy. This includes the tensions between corporatist and class-based visions of change and more communitarian ones.

4. Indigenous-State Relations: The book explores the complex relationships between indigenous movements and the state, including internal disputes within organizations and confrontations over autonomy. It also examines the bureaucratic hurdles and red tape that indigenous communities face in achieving official autonomy.

5. Development and Civil Society: The author discusses how the government interacts with civil society groups and how these interactions shape the state's transformation. This includes an analysis of the role of development in the context of plurinationality.

Plot Summary

The book provides a historical overview of how highland indigenous peoples have resisted centuries of exclusion and forced assimilation. It focuses on the efforts of organizations like CONAMAQ to revalorize traditional practices and promote autonomy. The author also examines the institutional shifts in Bolivia under President Evo Morales, highlighting both the achievements and the challenges of creating a plurinational state.

The book delves into specific case studies, such as the municipalities of Jesús de Machaca, San Pedro de Totora Marka, and Charagua, to illustrate the contrasting ways that theories of hegemony and plurinationality play out in concrete terms. It analyzes both the possibilities and challenges of creating indigenous autonomy, emphasizing the need for the Bolivian government and non-state actors to acknowledge and respect the distinct identities and goals of different subjectivities throughout the country.

Critical Reception

While specific reviews of the book are not provided in the sources, the book has been recognized for its comprehensive analysis of the complex relationships between indigenous movements and the state in Bolivia. The author's critique of the (neo)liberal understanding of indigenous subjects and his emphasis on the need for a more nuanced approach to plurinationality have been noted as significant contributions to the field of indigenous studies and state transformation.

The book's focus on the practical implementation of plurinationality, rather than just its theoretical framework, has been highlighted as a strength. However, the challenges faced by indigenous communities in achieving official autonomy and the ongoing tensions between different visions of change have been noted as areas that require further attention and analysis.

In summary, "Los indígenas y su Estado (pluri)nacional" by Luis Fernando Garcés V. offers a detailed and critical examination of the complex dynamics between indigenous peoples and the state in Bolivia. It highlights the ongoing struggles for autonomy, the challenges of implementing plurinationality, and the need for a more inclusive and respectful approach to indigenous rights.