Politics of Latin America: The Power Game - Softcover

This outstanding overview balances major comparative themes with selected Latin American case studies written by country experts. Analysis of the region's historical context, social structure (highlighting class, race, gender, religion and family), political economy, regime transitions, social/political movements, and global context make this an ideal text for undergraduate courses in Latin American politics, sociology, and history. Students will appreciate the accessible writing and updated tables and charts. (Richard Stahler-Sholk, Eastern Michigan University)

Politics of Latin America has many excellent features and is probably the single best hybrid of thematic and country approaches. (Philip Meeks, Creighton University)

Now in its fifth 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 the subject, this unique 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.

The first part of the text is composed of thematic chapters that outline the region's geographic setting, history, economics, society, gender, race, 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: Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Venezuela, Bolivia, Cuba, Guatemala, and Nicaragua. Each case study traces the historical and political development of key actors and institutions, analyzing contemporary power configurations.