Harry E. Vanden

Product Description: 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. Case Studies: Guatemala, Susanne Jonas; Mexico, Nora Hamilton; Cuba, Gary Prevost; Brazil, Wilber Albert Chaffee; Argentina, Aldo C. Vacs; Chile, Eduardo Silva; Venezuela, Daniel Hellinger; Colombia, John C. Dugas; Nicaragua, Gary Prevost and Harry E. Vanden; Bolivia, Waltraud Morales (new to this edition). 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.

"Extensively revised and updated, the Eighth Edition now features a special eight-page portfolio, "Latin America Through Art" that offers samples from Latin America's rich artistic tradition, revealing both change and continuity in Latin American culture from the arrival of Spaniards in the New World to the present day. Book jacket."--Jacket.

"The simultaneous development of prominent social movements and the election of left and center-left governments has radically altered the political landscape in Latin America. Social Movements and Leftist Governments in Latin America moves beyond simple discussion of these social movements, shedding new light on how these social movements continue to operate in Latin America."--Provided by publisher.

"This text explores the dramatic evolution in Latin American social movements over the past fifteen years. Leading scholars examine a variety of cases that highlight significant shifts in the region. First is the breakdown of the Washington Consensus and the global economic crisis since 2008, accompanied by the rise of new paradigms such as buen vivir (living well). Second are transformations in internal movement dynamics and strategies, especially the growth of horizontalism (horizontalidad), which emphasizes non-hierarchical relations within society rather than directly tackling state power. Third are new dynamics of resistance and repression as movements interact with the "pink tide" rise of left-of-center governments in the region. Exploring outcomes and future directions, the contributors consider the variations between movements arising from immediate circumstances (such as Oaxaca's 2006 uprising and Brazil's 2013 bus fare protests) and longer-lasting movements (Vía Campesina, Brazil's MST, and Mexico's Zapatistas)." -- Publisher's description