The “Pink Tide” refers to a political phenomenon in Latin America characterized by the rise to power of left-leaning or progressive governments in various countries during the late 1990s and early 2000s. These governments typically advocated for social welfare programs, wealth redistribution, and greater state intervention in the economy. The term “Pink Tide” itself is a reference to the left’s adoption of pink as a symbol, contrasting with the traditional left-wing colour of red.
Some of the key figures associated with the Pink Tide include Hugo Chávez in Venezuela, Evo Morales in Bolivia, Rafael Correa in Ecuador, and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Brazil. These leaders, along with others in the region, sought to challenge neoliberal economic policies that had been dominant in Latin America since the 1980s, often implementing policies aimed at reducing poverty, increasing access to education and healthcare, and asserting national sovereignty over natural resources.
However, the Pink Tide has faced various challenges and criticisms. Some argue that economic mismanagement, corruption, and authoritarian tendencies tarnished the legacies of certain leaders. Additionally, shifts in global economic conditions, such as declining commodity prices, and domestic political factors led to the decline or reversal of the Pink Tide in some countries by the 2010s.