One State Under Multiple Nations? The Challenge of Building a Plurinational State in Ecuador and Bolivia (2007–2018)

Abstract

What happens when the state acknowledges the existence of multiple “true” nations or “pueblos” within the context of a single state? How does a leader in a state with multiple nations, a plurinational state, choose between honoring cultural diversity and promoting economic growth? This article analyzes Ecuador and Bolivia—two countries that have constitutionally declared themselves plurinational states—to argue that, depending on the composition of each ruler's supporter base, presidents will choose to prioritize one set of goals over the other. On one hand, Rafael Correa was able to prioritize economic policies in Ecuador at the expense of cultural ones, hence losing out on indigenous support. On the other hand, while Evo Morales of Bolivia initially moved in favor of cultural policies, indigenous communities later critiqued him for favoring increasingly extractive projects. This article has important implications for the study of state and nationhood in the context of increased indigenous mobilization; it highlights the difficulties of balancing policy decisions around economic welfare, environmental protection, and social inclusion.

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