Politics of Latin America : the power game / Harry E. Vanden, Gary Prevost.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Vanden, Harry E.

Contributor:

Prevost, Gary.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Latin America--Politics and government.

Latin America.

Politics and government.

Physical Description:

xxiii, 632 pages : illustrations, maps ; 24 cm

Edition:

Third edition.

Place of Publication:

New York : Oxford University Press, 2009.

Summary:

Now in its third edition, 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, globalization, and political economy throughout Latin America. This new edition includes a new chapter on Bolivia and a stronger focus on anti-neoliberal economics, U.S.-Latin American relations, women's issues, and social movements.

The first part 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 ten representative Latin American nations. Each case study traces the historical development of key political actors and institutions, analyzing contemporary power configurations.

Incorporating maps, tables, chronologies, bibliographies, and clear indications of key players, Politics of Latin America, Third 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.

Contents:

Frequently Cited Acronyms xi

Introduction: Notes on Studying Politics in Latin America xviii

1 An Introduction to Twenty-First Century Latin America 1

2 Early History 18

3 Democracy, Dictators, and Tio Sam: A Historical Overview from Independence to the Present Day 41

4 The Other Americans 80

5 Society, Family, and Gender 103

6 Religion in Latin America 130

7 The Political Economy of Latin America 149

8 Democracy and Authoritarianism: Latin American Political Culture 180

9 Politics, Power, Institutions, and Actors 190

10 Struggling for Change: Revolution, Social and Political Movements in Latin America 239

11 Guatemala / Susanne Jonas 268

12 Mexico / Nora Hamilton 300

13 Cuba / Gary Prevost 338

14 Brazil / Wilber Albert Chaffee 368

15 Argentina / Aldo C. Vacs 394

16 Chile / Eduardo Silva 430

17 Venezuela / Daniel Hellinger 462

18 Colombia / John C. Dugas 494

19 Nicaragua / Gary Prevost, Harry E. Vanden 524

20 Bolivia / Waltraud Q. Morales 556

Appendix 1 Presidential Elections 589

Appendix 2 Recent Legislative Elections 598.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9780195339987

0195339983

OCLC:

213375856