Latin American Politics and Society
A Comparative and Historical Analysis

An engaging introduction to Latin America with a fresh, thematic approach to key political and social issues.

Gerardo L. Munck (Author), Juan Pablo Luna (Author)

9781108708555, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 9 June 2022

658 pages
24.5 x 18.9 x 2.8 cm, 1.39 kg

'There are many strengths to this textbook. I appreciate the emphasis on state capacity as opposed to offering some version of modernization theory/ cultural explanations of LA politics, the focus on the question of democracy and the issue of inequality, and transitional justice. The structure of the chapters, including the summary, discussion questions and additional sources are all great.' Lucrecia Garcia Iommi, Fairfield University

Taking a fresh thematic approach to politics and society in Latin America, this introductory textbook analyzes the region's past and present in an accessible and engaging style well-suited to undergraduate students. The book provides historical insights into modern states and critical issues they are facing, with insightful analyses that are supported by empirical data, maps and timelines. Drawing upon cutting-edge research, the text considers critical topics relevant to all countries within the region such as the expansion of democracy and citizenship rights and responses to human rights abuses, corruption, and violence. Each richly illustrated chapter contains a compelling and cohesive narrative, followed by thought-provoking questions and further reading suggestions, making this text a vital resource for anyone encountering the complexities of Latin American politics for the first time in their studies.

Preface
Introduction: Latin American politics and society
Part I. A Historical Overview: 1. The state and state capacity
2. Nation building, race, and ethnicity
3. Political regimes and democracy
4. Development models and socioeconomic welfare
Part II. Problems of Democracy in a Democratic Age: 5. Democracy and the quality of democracy: the never-ending quest
6. Political inclusion and institutional innovations: women, indigenous peoples, Afro-descendants, and ordinary people
7. Political parties and the citizen–politician link: the persistent crisis of representation
Part III. Civil Rights as a Problem for Democracy: 8. The protection of civil rights: a pending task for democracies
9. Transitional justice: responses to past human rights violations
10. High-level corruption: public officials against the public interest
11. The new violence: homicides, drugs, and the state
Part IV. Social Rights as a Problem for Democracy: 12. Social rights in law and reality: the dilemmas of democracy in unequal societies
13. Sustainable development and neoextractivism: growth, the environment, and social action
14. Basic social inclusion and social policy: CCTs as a poverty reduction policy
15. Unequal democracies: the paradox of political equality and social inequality
Conclusion: 16. Latin America in perspective: lessons and prospects
Appendix. A timeline of Latin America
Glossary
References
Index.