Politics in Latin America [Paperback]

Charles H. Blake (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0618802517 | ISBN-13: 978-0618802517 | Publication Date: October 16, 2007 | Edition: 2nd

Approaching Latin American politics and government from a political science perspective, Politics in Latin America focuses on three unifying themes central to Latin America today--the challenges of development, liberty, and governance. These themes are fully and consistently integrated into the country studies, which examine seven important Latin American countries. The first four chapters provide a historical overview and describe the historical and theoretical importance of each of these challenges. Then each country study discusses the challenges as they pertain to that particular country. In the process of examining these three challenges, the text considers their implications for the future of democracy in the region.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Politics in Latin America is literally the best textbook on Latin America that I have found."

"The unifying themes are especially useful, and are carried through each country study in a consistent and effective way."

Product Details

• Paperback: 440 pages
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin; 2nd edition (October 16, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0618802517
• ISBN-13: 978-0618802517
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #50,452 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars vast sweep, August 24, 2009

By 

W Boudville (Terra, Sol 3) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Politics in Latin America (Paperback)

Of necessity, by trying to span developments across all Latin America, the discussions of each nation have to be somewhat summarised. But Blake still does a good job of explaining the political makeup and key developments in the major countries.

The historical coverage extends to the 19th century, as Blake puts some perspective into the discussion. The major countries are Brazil and Argentina, and a comparative analysis is done. Both have authoritarian histories, but this still leaves many differences.

The chapter on Cuba seems to have a naturally unfinished feel. There is somewhat of an expectation that an era is ending, as Fidel Castro leaves the stage. But the chapter also can make an American reader aware of how Castro was able to harness nationalist resentment at a longtime US influence, harking back to the Spanish-American War, in order to maintain his party's power.

5.0 out of 5 stars good, October 3, 2011

By 

Troy benallie (SYRACUSE, UT, US) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Politics in Latin America (Paperback)

I received the item within the time that the item was expected. The discription of the item was accurate. That's all I have to say on the matter.