Politics of Latin America The Power Game

by Vanden, Harry E.; Prevost, Gary

• ISBN13: 9780195123166
• ISBN10: 0195123166
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2001-08-30
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

Employing a political realist approach, Vanden and Prevost focus on who wields the power in Latin American countries, who controls the policymaking process, and who benefits from policy decisions. To shed some light on the reasons for the current political situation, the book also incorporates an analysis of the factors that influence the exercise of power; the historic traditions of the region as a whole and each country in particular; the nature and composition of classes and society; national and international political economies; and the changing roles of key interest groups. Politics in Latin America: The Power Game consists of four sections. Part One lays the groundwork for understanding Latin America as a whole, as well as each independent region. Part Two addresses the important themes necessary to understand contemporary Latin American politics. Part Three provides case studies of Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Cuba, Nicaragua, Chile, Peru, Guatemala, and Costa Rica, all written by experts on each particular country. Part Four examines Latin American international relations, with particular emphasis on U.S.-Latin American relations and Latin American attempts to chart a more independent course. A final chapter provides a brief summary and speculations about future developments in the region.

Table of Contents

List of Maps and Tables	vi
List of Frequently Cited Acronyms	vii
Preface	ix
Introduction Notes on Studying Politics in Latin America	xi
An Introduction to Latin America (As It Is)	1	(16)
Early History	17	(24)
Republics and the Struggle to Empower the People: Nineteenth- and Twentieth-Century History	41	(33)
The Other Americans	74	(24)
Society, Gender, and Political Culture	98	(29)
Religion in Latin America	127	(19)
The Political Economy of Latin America	146	(31)
Politics, Power, Institutions, and Actors	177	(52)
Revolution in Latin America	229	(24)
Guatemala	253	(32)
Susanne Jonas
Mexico	285	(40)
Nora Hamilton
Cuba	325	(32)
Gary Prevost
Nicaragua	357	(42)
Gary Prevost
Harry E. Vanden
Argentina	399	(38)
Aldo C. Vacs
Chile	437	(46)
Eduardo Silva
Brazil	483	(29)
Wilber Albert Chaffee
Appendix 1 Recent Presidential Elections	512	(9)
Appendix 2 Recent Legislative Elections	521	(6)
Authors and Contributors	527	(2)
Index	529