Introduction: revisiting the "second (short) wave" of democratisation in Latin America, 1943–1962.

This article examines the experiments of democratization in Latin America during the mid-twentieth century, which is often overlooked in the scholarship. Thirteen Latin American countries transitioned to democracy between 1943 and 1962, comprising almost a third of worldwide regime changes during this period. The article explores the region's experiences with democracy, challenges the concept of democratization waves, and delves into topics such as women's suffrage, public deliberation, and the role of intellectuals. The authors argue that the mid-twentieth century in Latin America offers fertile ground for future research on the history and meaning of democracy in the region. [Extracted from the article]