Neoliberal Multiculturalism: The Remaking of Cultural Rights and Racial Dominance in Central America

This article analyzes the rising prominence of neoliberalism as a new strategy of governance that reaches well beyond economic reforms. In particular, neoliberal governance includes the limited recognition of cultural rights, the strengthening of civil society, and endorsement of the principle of intercultural equality. When combined with neoliberal economic policies, these progressive measures have unexpected effects, including a deepened state capacity to shape and neutralize political opposition, and a remaking of racial hierarchies across the region. Drawing on ethnographic examples from three sites of political practice, the article documents these processes and their consequences, especially for black and indigenous Central Americans.