Politics of Latin America The Power Game

by Vanden, Harry E.; Prevost, Gary

• ISBN13: 9780195188073
• ISBN10: 0195188071
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2099-11-30
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

Politics of Latin America, Second Edition, explores both the evolution and the current state of the political scene in Latin America. Distinguishing itself from more traditional works on Latin American politics, this text demonstrates a nuanced sensitivity to the use and abuse of power and the importance of social conditions, gender, race, globalization, and political economy. The first section of the book presents relevant information about the region's geographic setting, history, economics, society, people, and religion, setting the stage for a more detailed analysis of the politics, democratization, political culture, political movements, and revolution in Latin America. The second part of the book consists of carefully constructed case studies of nine representative Latin American nations: Guatemala (Susanne Jonas), Mexico (Nora Hamilton), Cuba (Prevost), Brazil (Wilber Albert Chaffee), Argentina (Aldo C. Vacs), Chile (Eduardo Silva), Venezuela (Daniel Hellinger), Colombia (John C. Dugas), and Nicaragua (Prevost and Vanden). Each case study traces the historical development of key political actors and institutions, analyzing contemporary power configurations. Keeping pace with the rapidly changing events in each country, this expanded second edition provides fresh material throughout, including more information on interamerican relations and the successes and failures of democracy in Latin America. Along with two entirely new chapters on Venezuela and Colombia, it also features sections that thoroughly discuss democratic versus authoritarian political culture, the role of the United States, and the power game in Latin America. The thematic chapters offer updated background analyses--including a discussion of the 2002-2005 electoral triumphs of several presidents who were critical of the neo-liberal agenda, the new movements that have deposed presidents--and additional sections on U.S.-Latin American relations. Incorporating maps, tables, chronologies, bibliographies and clear indications of key players, Politics of Latin America, Second Edition, is indispensable for students and other readers wishing to gain a deeper understanding of this complex, dynamic, and rapidly changing region of the world.

Table of Contents

List of Maps and Tables

List of Frequently Cited Acronyms

Preface

Introduction: Notes on Studying Politics in Latin America

An Introduction to Latin America (As It Is)

Early History

Republics and the Struggle to Empower the People: Nineteenth- and Twentieth-Century History

The Other Americans

Society, Gender, and Political Culture

Religion in Latin America

The Political Economy of Latin America

Politics, Power, Institutions, and Actors

Revolution in Latin America

Guatemala, Susanne Jonas

Mexico, Nora Hamilton

Cuba, Gary Prevost

Nicaragua, Gary Prevost and Harry E. Vanden

Argentina, Aldo C. Vacs

Chile, Eduardo Silva

Brazil, Wilber Albert Chaffee

Presidential Elections in Latin America

Legislative Elections In Latin America

Index

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.