The rural in democratic innovations: a comparative proposal between Latin America and Europe

Abstract This article compares democratic innovations (DIs) in rural areas of Europe and Latin America, highlighting differences in approaches and motivations. In Europe, DIs focus on rural development, environmental policies, and local economic improvements, emphasizing institutional strengthening and sustainability without challenging the existing political model. In contrast, in Latin America, the rural context is a space for emancipatory struggles, such as the defense of indigenous rights and food sovereignty, serving as a battleground for autonomy and social justice. The article argues that, while in Europe DIs improve public policies, in Latin America they challenge established notions of development and rights, varying significantly between different sociopolitical contexts.