Democracy in Latin America Political Change in Comparative Perspective

by Smith, Peter H.

• ISBN13: 9780195157581
• ISBN10: 0195157583
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2005-02-24
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

Democracy in Latin America examines the processes of democratization in Latin America over the past twenty years. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the issues inherent in the move toward democracy--including elections, culture, representation, poverty, and criminality. Organizedthematically, with a unique historical perspective, the book focuses on six paradigmatic case studies in the region: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.

Author Biography

Peter H. Smith is Professor of Political Science and Simon Bolivar Professor of Latin American Studies at the University of California, San Diego

Table of Contents

Tables, Figures, and Maps	ix
Preface	xiii
Introduction: Dimensions of Democracy	1	(18)
PART I: HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVES, 1900-2000
1 Cycles of Electoral Democracy	19	(25)
2 Transitions and Continuities	44	(29)
3 The Military: Heading for the Exits?	73	(34)
4 Global Contexts, International Forces	107	(30)
PART II: THE ELECTORAL ARENA
5 Exploring Institutional Alternatives	137	(19)
6 Varieties of Presidentialism	156	(27)
7 Elections: Voters, Winners, and Losers	183	(30)
PART III: QUALITIES OF DEMOCRACY
8 State Capacity and Policy Performance	213	(24)
9 The Politics of Social Equity	237	(26)
10 Freedoms, Rights, and Illiberal Democracy	263	(22)
11 The People's Verdict	285	(28)
PART IV: DEMOCRACY CONSIDERED
12 The Taming of Democracy	313	(14)
Epilogue: The Future of Democracy	327	(20)
APPENDIX 1 Classification of Electoral Regimes, 1900-2000	347	(7)
APPENDIX 2 Military Coups in Latin America, 1900-2000	354	(2)
APPENDIX 3 Key Variables in Statistical Analysis	356	(5)
Suggested Readings	361	(6)
Index	367