Synopsis
This book compiles the works of many authors from some of the best academic institutions in the world, all related to Mexico's contemporary general conditions. The main objective of this compilation is to examine Mexico as a whole, giving the reader an insight in its social, economic, political and environmental problems. For this purpose, the texts have been chosen in a way that after analysing a few of them, one will find them all correlated. The problems analysed in this book range from very recent (some of them occurring this past year) to others that go back decades or even centuries. In this sense, this contribution gives readers a historical perception of the problems captured. Some chapters develop scientific conclusions based on strict scientific research; however, the reader will find that the language is not overwhelming and the chapters can be thoroughly and easily read. Overall, it is a wonderful compilation made possible by all contributing authors and their interest to publish their most recent research on it. We hope that readers enjoy going through the pages of these chapters as they venture through contemporary Mexico, analysing topics from the environmental difficulties of Coahuila's sand dunes to social changes in the Meseta Purépecha, passing through other topics, such as, the conditions of human rights protection in Mexico or the return of the PRI regime, among other great discussions. The authors' interests are as different as their disciplines, but, in this case, diversity is important for maintaining multidisciplinary interpretations on the current needs of the Mexican society.
Review
This is an impressive volume that deals with some of the most pressing problems faced by Mexico today. These include environmental issues like the need to protect fragile ecosystems and the need to develop better recycling waste methods; social problems like supporting the aged, promoting social mobility, and protecting human rights; and political issues like the role of congress after the transition to democracy and the strategies of Mexico's opposition parties. These essays by social scientists are almost all theoretically sophisticated and well-written.
Prof. Margaret Chowning
UC Berkeley
Although this text is directed at an American audience, or at least English-speakers, it offers perspectives that go beyond studies from an American perspective: the essays in this volume do not keep Mexico at a distance. This book provides a platform from which one may observe Mexico using numerous perspectives, methodologies, and academic traditions, and may be read profitably, either from the proximity to Xalapa or from the distance of United States. Professor Michael Ducey, Ph.D.Universidad VeracruzanaUniversity of Colorado, Denver
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