Final answer:
Latin American nations face governance struggles due to the enduring effects of colonialism, persistent social hierarchies, economic and cultural isolation, military interventions, and repeated authoritarian rule.
Step-by-step explanation:
The author claims that Latin American nations continue to struggle to govern themselves due to a combination of historical, social, and political challenges. The legacy of colonialism imparted a social hierarchy that persisted even after independence, leading to internal strife and social struggles. Geographic distances and natural obstacles hindered unification efforts, while the economic and cultural isolation of regions further complicated governance.
The newly independent nations adopted democratic constitutions, but often these ideals were not upheld. Military interventions were common, sometimes under the pretext of economic or political chaos, and often supported by foreign powers during the Cold War to prevent the spread of communism. This resulted in authoritarian rule and the undermining of democracy. Also, local military chieftains, in alliance with wealthy landowners, continued to exercise power, perpetuating corruption and inefficiency. The historical lack of external assistance and unified strategy for governance following independence further exacerbated these challenges.