
The Paradox of Democracy in Latin America
Ten Country Studies of Division and Resilience
Katherine Isbester(Author)
University of Toronto Press
Will be published approx. on 12. November 2010
Book
Paperback/Softback
400 pages
978-1-4426-0180-2 (ISBN)
Description
Inviting in tone and organization but rigorous in its scholarship, The Paradox of Democracy in Latin America focuses on the problems, successes, and multiple forms of democracy in Latin America. The opening chapters provide readers with a theoretical and conceptual lens through which to examine the ten case studies, which focus on Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina.
What becomes clear throughout is that there is a paradox at the heart of Latin America's democracies. Despite decades of struggle to replace authoritarian dictatorships with electoral democracies, solid economic growth (leading up to the global credit crisis), and increased efforts by the state to extend the benefits of peace and prosperity to the poor, democracy-as a political system-is experiencing declining support, and support for authoritarianism is on the rise.
The Paradox of Democracy in Latin America demonstrates the deep divisions between rulers and ruled in Latin America that undermine democratic processes, institutions, and norms.
What becomes clear throughout is that there is a paradox at the heart of Latin America's democracies. Despite decades of struggle to replace authoritarian dictatorships with electoral democracies, solid economic growth (leading up to the global credit crisis), and increased efforts by the state to extend the benefits of peace and prosperity to the poor, democracy-as a political system-is experiencing declining support, and support for authoritarianism is on the rise.
The Paradox of Democracy in Latin America demonstrates the deep divisions between rulers and ruled in Latin America that undermine democratic processes, institutions, and norms.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Toronto
Canada
Target group
College/higher education
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Dimensions
Height: 226 mm
Width: 150 mm
Thickness: 25 mm
Weight
544 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-4426-0180-2 (9781442601802)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Katherine Isbester, a former adjunct professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Toronto, is now an independent scholar and consultant on development issues living in London, England.
Content
List of Tables
Preface
Democracy: A Complex Balance
Katherine Isbester
Democracy in Latin America: A Political History
Katherine Isbester
Issues and Institutions in Latin American Governance
Katherine Isbester
Mexico: From Perfect Dictatorship to Imperfect Democracy
Judith Teichman
Guatemala: Ethnicity and the Shadow State
Katherine Isbester
Nicaragua: Revolution and Betrayal
Katherine Isbester
Costa Rica: An Ethos and a Strong State
Katherine Isbester
Colombia: Violence, Drugs, and Democracy
Roberta Rice
Venezuela: Pacts, Populism, and Poverty
Roberta Rice
Brazil: Constraints and Innovations
Lauren Phillips
Bolivia: Ethnicity and Power
Roberta Rice
Chile: Democracy in a Divided Polity
Judith Teichman
Argentina: Clientelism, Corporatism, and Democracy
Viviana Patroni
Conclusion: What Works and Why
Katherine Isbester
Notes on Contributors
Index
Preface
Democracy: A Complex Balance
Katherine Isbester
Democracy in Latin America: A Political History
Katherine Isbester
Issues and Institutions in Latin American Governance
Katherine Isbester
Mexico: From Perfect Dictatorship to Imperfect Democracy
Judith Teichman
Guatemala: Ethnicity and the Shadow State
Katherine Isbester
Nicaragua: Revolution and Betrayal
Katherine Isbester
Costa Rica: An Ethos and a Strong State
Katherine Isbester
Colombia: Violence, Drugs, and Democracy
Roberta Rice
Venezuela: Pacts, Populism, and Poverty
Roberta Rice
Brazil: Constraints and Innovations
Lauren Phillips
Bolivia: Ethnicity and Power
Roberta Rice
Chile: Democracy in a Divided Polity
Judith Teichman
Argentina: Clientelism, Corporatism, and Democracy
Viviana Patroni
Conclusion: What Works and Why
Katherine Isbester
Notes on Contributors
Index