In this book, we analyze the resilience and transformation of political exile from colonial times to the present in Latin America. The premise of this study is that exile has been a regulatory mechanism for political systems unable to create pluralistic and inclusive models of participation; and although exile developed as an elite phenomenon in the 19th century when political participation was restricted, it became a massive trend in the 20th century as mobilizations and more inclusive participation led to authoritarian rule.

Exile is a perennial subject that signals the logic of political exclusion and displacement from internal public spheres. Western democracies have increasingly developed pluralistic and tolerant public spheres that enabled them to contain countervailing, opposition forces without expelling them from their midst, as long as all sides abided by the democratic game. Former ruling elites, whose misdeeds during tenure have been exposed publicly, as well as dissident intellectuals and vocal opponents of incumbent administrations, have been able to act and express themselves in the public domains without being forced to abandon their home countries. After impeachment procedures were recommended, Richard Nixon resigned the presidency in 1974 but did not leave the United States. Charles De Gaulle abandoned office in 1946 for the solace of Colombey les Deux-Eglises, to return to power in 1958 and establish the Fifth Republic. When Giulio Andreotti, prime minister of Italy for many terms, was accused of corruption and complicity with organized crime, he still could stay in his home country and trust justice.