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Spanish to English translations [PRO] Social Sciences - History / Spanish expressions
Spanish term or phrase:pulsos de poder
This is from an article about trade between Spain and Peru in the late 18th century. Context:
Las reformas borbónicas orientadas a regular el tráfico transatlántico provocaron continuas disputas a tres bandas entre la propia Monarquía Hispánica, el Consulado de Cádiz y los consulados americanos de México y Lima, cada cual empeñado en defender sus intereses.... Estos **pulsos de poder** han sido ampliamente analizados en la historiografía.
What are these "pulsos de poder"? Do they refer to the three parties in the disputes (Crown, Mexico City/Lima, and Cádiz)? In this case I might translate simply as "powers."
I think, however, that it refers to the disputes themselves, recurring as regularly as one's pulse, and I'm thinking along the lines of "power struggles." But that sounds continuous rather than repetitious, losing the "pulse" idea.
Please help me be sure that I'm understanding the text correctly, and help me find a phrase that does the author justice. Thanks so much for your help!
-------------------------------------------------- Note added at 7 mins (2009-11-28 23:21:59 GMT) --------------------------------------------------
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spain
"The power struggles of the early 19th century led to the loss of all of Spain's colonies in Latin America, with the exception of Cuba and Puerto Rico."
-------------------------------------------------- Note added at 49 mins (2009-11-29 00:03:37 GMT) --------------------------------------------------
Jane, following your line of thought, you may use "recurrent power struggles" to eliminate the "continuous" implication. Also, there are other words such as "outbreaks" or outbursts" to consider.
Thanks, Remy! I struggled a while to do something that included "outbursts" but I ended up sticking with the original "power struggles." I'm always seeing multiple interpretations and worrying that I'll pick the wrong one--it's good to know you've got my back! 4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer
-------------------------------------------------- Note added at 7 mins (2009-11-28 23:21:59 GMT) --------------------------------------------------
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spain
"The power struggles of the early 19th century led to the loss of all of Spain's colonies in Latin America, with the exception of Cuba and Puerto Rico."
-------------------------------------------------- Note added at 49 mins (2009-11-29 00:03:37 GMT) --------------------------------------------------
Jane, following your line of thought, you may use "recurrent power struggles" to eliminate the "continuous" implication. Also, there are other words such as "outbreaks" or outbursts" to consider.
Remy Arce Local time: 21:24 Native speaker of: Spanish PRO pts in category: 8
Grading comment
Thanks, Remy! I struggled a while to do something that included "outbursts" but I ended up sticking with the original "power struggles." I'm always seeing multiple interpretations and worrying that I'll pick the wrong one--it's good to know you've got my back!
The translation workplace 
