Democracy in Latin America: Political Change in Comparative Perspective - Softcover

Smith, Peter H.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0195157591 ISBN 13: 9780195157598

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2005

Synopsis

Democracy in Latin America: Political Change in Comparative Perspective examines processes of democratization in Latin America from 1900 to the present. Organized thematically, with a unique historical perspective, the book provides a widespread view of political transformation throughout the entire region.

In clear and jargon-free prose, the book:
* Traces the origins and evolution of democracy in Latin America
* Examines the adoption and reform of electoral institutions
* Assesses the policy performance of contemporary democracies
* Explores the political representation of women, workers, and indigenous peoples
* Evaluates trends in public opinion
* Reveals the recent rise of "illiberal democracy"

Adroitly blending qualitative and quantitative approaches, Democracy in Latin America offers a new and startling explanation for the prevalence of electoral democracy in modern-day Latin America and presents an in-depth analysis of political challenges now confronting the region as a whole--including poverty, inequality, and criminality. In addition to maps, tables, and figures, the book provides carefully selected illustrations and numerous boxes containing anecdotal material and conceptual commentary. Comprehensive in scope, rigorous in method, and thoroughly accessible to students and general readers, Democracy in Latin America: Political Change in Comparative Perspective is ideal for a broad variety of undergraduate courses in political science, history, and sociology.

About this title

About the Author

Peter H. Smith is at University of California at San Diego.

Review

"I cannot think of a better person than Peter Smith to undertake such a challenging project as this review of a century of Latin American struggles to attain democracy. He combines an intimate knowledge of the history of the twentieth century (his co-authored textbook on post-independence Latin America is the standard in the f ield), a deep understanding of political science, and a keen sense of international relations . . . This very readable, impressively researched and methodologically sophisticated study analyzes the unpredictable and sometimes unsteady course of nineteen Latin American countries to explain how democracy has become widespread . . .Democracy in Latin America will be essential reading for scholars, statesmen, and students concerned with Latin America's place in the world in our uncharted journey through the waters of globalization and the wars on terrorism."--Steven Topik, Department of History, Univ of California, Irvine

"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 on democracy and democratization, not only in relation to Latin America but also elsewhere--I do hope that this exemplary study will serve as a guide and an example for studies of similar quality." -- Guillermo O'Donnell, Helen Kellogg Professor of Government, University of Notre Dame

"Peter Smith does a superb job of wrestling with the most challenging conceptual questions related to democracy in Latin America. Drawing on insights from various disciplines and vast and sophisticated knowledge of the region, he puts contemporary debates about democracy in their proper historical perspective. More than a splendid synthesis of wide-ranging material, Smith's first-rate book is an instructive, scholarly contribution that will be an invaluable reference for students and decision makers seeking to enrich their understanding of such a crucial subject."-- Michael Shifter, Inter-American Dialogue

"This is the definitive book on the evolution and struggles of democracy in Latin America in the twentieth century. Both a comprehensive historical account and an important work of social science analysis, it is must reading for any student of Latin American politics and a distinguished contribution to the comparative democracy literature." -- Larry Diamond, Stanford University

"[Peter Smith] blends history and political science to create an illuminating and readable critical analysis of an issue that is of vital importance to Latin America --and the United States." -- Peter Winn, Tufts University

"This book offers a masterful synthesis of extant literature and original research on regime changes and varieties of democratic experiences in 20th century Latin America. The analysis is truly comprehensive, ranging from a focus on social forces, the military, and the international context to constitutions, parties, and elections, and to the state, social equity, civil and political rights, and public opinion. Peter Smith artfully weaves case discussions into the larger theoretical framework and makes a complex reality accessible to undergraduate students." -- Evelyne Huber, University of North Carolina

Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 0195157591
• ISBN 13: 9780195157598
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 400