Democracy in Latin America: Political Change in Comparative Perspective

Democracy in Latin America, 2e examines processes of democratization in Latin America from 1900 to the present. Thoroughly revised and expanded, this new edition provides a widespread view of political transformation throughout the entire region. In clear and jargon-free prose, the book: · Traces the origins and evolution of democracy in Latin America · Examines the adoption and reform of electoral institutions · Assesses the policy performance of contemporary democracies · Explores the political representation of women, workers, and indigenous peoples · Evaluates trends in public opinion Reveals the prevalence of "illiberal democracy" Adroitly blending qualitative and quantitative approaches, Democracy in Latin America 2e offers an innovative view of the "dialectic" of democratic change in Latin America. This interpretation draws upon new material concerning the rise of the "new Left," the relationship between social status and satisfaction with democracy, the effectiveness of antipoverty policies, changing roles of the judiciary, and the impact of the international environment. Readability is enhanced by the inclusion of numerous photographic illustrations and brief "boxes" with portraits of personalities, explanations about methodology, and comments on conceptual approaches.

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