An authoritative, comprehensive, and accessible introduction to Latin American government and political development written by recognized experts in the field.

Table of Contents

• List of Tables and Maps
• List of Acronyms
• Preface to the Eighth Edition
• PART I The Latin American Tradition and Process of Development - Howard J. Wiarda and Harvey F. Kline
• 1 The Context of Latin American Politics
• 2 The Pattern of Historical Development
• 3 Interest Groups and Political Parties
• 4 Government Machinery, the Role of the State, and Public Policy
• 5 The Struggle for Democracy in Latin America
• PART II The Political Systems of South America
• Preface
• 6 Argentina in the Twenty-First Century - Linda Chen
• 7 Brazil: A Unique Country - Iêda Siqueira Wiarda
• 8 Chile: Alternative Approaches to Development - Paul E. Sigmund
• 9 Colombia: Unfading Glory and Furrows of Pain - Vanessa Joan Gray
• 10 Peru in the Twenty-First Century: Confronting the Past, Charting the Future - Julio F. Carrión and David Scott Palmer
• 11 The Legacy of Charisma: Venezuelan Politics After Hugo Chávez - David Myers
• 12 Uruguay: Balancing Growth and Democracy - Ronald H. McDonald and Martin Weinstein
• 13 Paraguay: The Problems and Politics of Democratic Institutionalization - Paul C. Sondrol
• 14 Bolivia: From Neoliberal Democracy to Multiethnic, Plebiscitarian Politics - Fabrice Lehoucq
• 15 Ecuador: From Crisis to Left Turn - Jennifer N. Collins
• PART III The Political Systems of Central and Middle America and the Caribbean
• Preface
• 16 Mexico: Democratization, Development, and Internal War - Judith A. Gentleman
• 17 Cuba: Revolution in the Balance? - Juan M. del Aguila and Frank O. Mora
• 18 Costa Rica - Mitchell A. Seligson
• 19 Nicaragua: The Politics of Frustration - Richard L. Millett
• 20 El Salvador: Civil War to Uncivil Peace - Christine J. Wade
• 21 Guatemala: Progress and Peril in an Age of Globalization - Dwight Wilson
• 22 Honduras: Fragile Democracy - J. Mark Ruhl
• 23 Panama: The Challenge of Governance in Boom Times - Steve C. Ropp
• 24 The Dominican Republic: A Winding Road to Democracy and Development - Esther Skelley Jordan
• 25 Haiti: Conflict and the Search for Democratic Governance - Georges A. Fauriol
• PART IV Conclusion
• 26 Latin America and the Future - Howard J. Wiarda and Harvey F. Kline
• About the Editors and Contributors