Part 2/11:
Evo Morales, who rose to power in the early 2000s, epitomizes the country's shift toward populist governance. Starting as a coca farmer of modest means, Morales became Bolivia's president and pursued a form of socialism heavily characterized by populist policies. While not necessarily destructive to the economy—given Bolivia's already underperforming status—the Morales era did not improve the country's economic situation.