Revolutionary Movements in Latin America: El Salvador's FMLN and Peru's Shining Path [Paperback]

Cynthia McClintock (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1998

Why were El Salvador's FMLN and Peru's Shining Path able to mount such serious revolutionary challenges in the 1980s and early 1990s? And why were they able to do so despite the fact that their countries' elected governments were widely considered democratic? These two guerrilla groups were very different, but both came close to success. To explain why, the author examines the complex interplay among political and economic factors, the nature of the revolutionary organization, and international actors. McClintock emphasizes that the end of the Cold War does not mean the end of revolutionary groups, and that the United States can play an important role in determining the outcome of future confrontations. The book concludes with practical policy options for the U.S. government as it looks to foster peace and democracy in the western hemisphere.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Cynthia McClintock is professor of political science and director of Latin American studies at George Washington University. A former president of the Latin American Studies Association, she was a fellow at the U.S. Institute of Peace in 1990-91.

Product Details

• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: United States Institute of Peace (June 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1878379763
• ISBN-13: 978-1878379764
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,091,172 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent research and analysis., March 9, 2000

By 

Benjamin Willard "Expo6" (Alexandria, VA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Revolutionary Movements in Latin America: El Salvador's FMLN and Peru's Shining Path (Paperback)

This is one of the finer books I have read on insurgent organizations and their backgrounds/motivations. Cynthia McClintock concentrates on comparing and contrasting these two groups, along with addressing similar groups, to give the reader a deeper understanding of an insurgency. The FMLN is now part of the political process, as they wished to be (as brought out in the book), in El Salvador. However, Sendero Luminoso is still trying to overthrow the Peruvian government without wishing to be a part of the process (also brought out in the book). This book, to include its tremendous bibliography, is an excellent reference resource.

1 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Book by a Great Teacher, April 25, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Revolutionary Movements in Latin America: El Salvador's FMLN and Peru's Shining Path (Paperback)

I had the privilege of reading Prof McClintock's book BEFORE I realized she was a professor at my school, and I am really glad to have had access to both. The book was really indepth, and Cynthia was able to get awesome interviews that very few other people have ever gotten.