Democracy in Latin America
Retail Price to Students:
$44.95 (04)Description
Thoroughly updated in its second edition, Democracy in Latin America provides an in-depth and accessible survey of processes of democratization in Latin America from 1900 to the present. In clear and jargon-free prose, acclaimed author Peter H. Smith examines the origins and evolution of democracy in Latin America; the adoption and reform of electoral institutions; the policy performance of contemporary democracies; the political representation of women, workers, and indigenous peoples; and trends in public opinion.Adroitly blending qualitative and quantitative approaches, Democracy in Latin America, Second Edition, offers an innovative perspective on democratic change in Latin America. Enhanced by photos and text boxes featuring portraits of personalities, explanations about methodology, and comments on conceptual approaches, it is ideal for undergraduate and graduate courses in political science, history, Latin American studies, and history.
FEATURES OF THE SECOND EDITION:
* Updates empirical information on present-day developments, such as women's representation, the empowerment of indigenous peoples, and anti-poverty policies
* Interprets the emergence of the "new Left" as part of a recurring dialectic within Latin American democracy
* Analyzes the changing roles of the judiciary
* Considers the relationship between social status and satisfaction with democracy
* Reassesses the relative balance between "liberal" and "illiberal" democracy throughout the region
* Provides a completely new analysis of public opinion on the basis of raw survey data
* Takes into account the contemporary international environment, inlcuding the rise of China
Reviews
"There's no real competitor to Democracy in Latin America. Peter Smith provides us with the gold standard of placing Latin American political institutions and policies in historical context and in comparative perspective."--John A. Booth, University of North Texas
"This book is a major achievement. It uniquely combines historical depth, masterful organization of a great mass of information, sophisticated data analysis, shrewd interpretation, and, indeed, great writing. This book is a must for persons interested in democracy and democratization, not only in relation to Latin America but elsewhere."--Guillermo O'Donnell, University of Notre Dame
About the Author(s)
Peter H. Smith is Distinguished Professor of Political Science and Simón Bolívar Professor of Latin American Studies at the University of California, San Diego. A former president of the Latin American Studies Association, he is the author of more than twenty books, including Talons of the Eagle: Latin America, the United States, and the World, Third Edition (OUP, 2007) and coauthor of Modern Latin America, Seventh Edition (OUP, 2009).
