Presentation

Abstract

A new political trend has emerged that could be termed the "pragmatism of necessity." It is a consensus—acting as a cross-cutting variable—that the primary problem facing societies lies not in ideologies, but in resolving the key issues affecting the citizenry. Based on this logic, the sociopolitical landscape in Latin America has shifted toward forms of representation and governments that, while established through democratic mechanisms, do not base their narratives on programmatic policy agreements. Current state representations do not stem from political militancy, activism, or active participation in processes of social transformation; rather, they seem to be woven from constructs strictly linked to immediacy and needs expressed through digital channels.
Understanding the contemporary era requires asking whether we must reach minimum agreements on representation and pacts regarding the exercise of public office, and establish boundaries that confine political activity to basic elements capable of encompassing diverse political and social identities. There is a need to rethink and redefine the public sphere, while simultaneously preserving it against the unstoppable rise of opinions driven by algorithms and digital trends. The current climate raises questions about the State’s role as a regulator or a force for balance, as well as about public service and private sector participation—issues that must be addressed in light of the risks posed by this pragmatism.
This edition of *Encuentros* presents works that examine the ongoing debate regarding the limitations of so-called "digital transformation," the repoliticization of the public sphere, artificial intelligence and the legal risks facing individuals, the relevance of universities, and the social asymmetries often overlooked in this new reality of regional politics.