Politics of Latin America The Power Game

by Vanden, Harry E.; Prevost, Gary

• ISBN13: 9780195123173
• ISBN10: 0195123174
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2001-08-30
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

Politics of Latin America 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, and political economy. The first section of the book includes 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, political movements, and revolution in Latin America. The second part of the book consists of carefully constructed case studies of seven representative Latin American nations: Mexico (Nora Hamilton), Argentina (Aldo C. Vacs), Brazil (Wilber Albert Chaffee), Chile (Eduardo Silva), Guatemala (Susanne Jonas), Nicaragua (Prevost and Vanden), and Cuba (Prevost). Each case study traces the historical development of key political actors and institutions, analyzing contemporary power configurations. Featuring maps, tables, chronologies, and clear indications of key players, the text clarifies background factors and shows students how the political game is played in each country. Each chapter ends with a bibliography that includes useful books, films, videos, and relevant web sites. Politics of Latin America is indispensable for the reader 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	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