Which Way Latin America?

In this book, some of the world's leading Latin Americanists explore the ways in which the region has reengaged globalization. Among the timely questions are: What is the relationship of China and India with Latin America? Has increased international political cooperation among Latin nations changed their foreign policy toward other regions and on specific issue areas? How have the different "Lefts," as exemplified by the governments of Venezuela's Hugo Chávez and Brazil's Lula shaped the region? What is the outlook of new entities such as the South American Union of Nations, and how have older entities such as the Organization of American States fared?

With a new U.S. administration shifting gears in foreign policy and a global financial crisis leading many to question the future of capitalism, Latin America is especially well positioned to make the most of the resulting international upheaval. This book provides a sharp, up-to-date analysis of the new sources of political power and allegiances in the region today.

"This is an ambitious and important volume. It brings together a group of the hemisphere's best analysts and thinkers to explain how profoundly Latin America has changed in recent years, and what those changes mean for the people and politics of the region and for its relations with the U.S. and the rest of the world."—Peter Hakim, president, Inter-American Dialogue

Andrew F. Cooper is the associate director of the Centre for International Governance Innovation and a distinguished fellow and professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Waterloo.

Jorge Heine is a former ambassador of Chile to India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka (2003–07), and vice president of the International Political Science Association.