Costa Rica: Quest For Democracy (Nations of the Modern World: Latin America) [ILLUSTRATED] (Hardcover)

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Product Description

How did Costa Rica become Central America's first successful democracy? How does Costa Rican democracy work? How does democracy survive despite regional turmoil, foreign intervention, and economic crisis? Beginning with Costa Rica's history within the Central American context, John Booth traces democratic development in Costa Rica through its institutions, rules of the political game, parties, elections, and interest groups. After a review of socioeconomic and political forces, the author examines political participation and culture, political economy, and foreign affairs. The book's overview of Costa Rican politics is accessible and useful for students, scholars, and general readers.

About the Author

John A. Booth is Regents Professor of Political Science at the University of North Texas.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Westview Press; illustrated edition edition (July 2, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0813376319
• ISBN-13: 978-0813376318
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #4,249,566 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive overview of Costa Rican democratic government, July 7, 1998

By A Customer

Placing Costa Rica in the Central American context, Booth evaluates common myths about Costa Rican democracy. He finds the glass half full and half empty: Costa Rica's demanding citizens and a responsive government interact vibrantly, yet 1980s-90s financial crises permitted neoliberal foreign lenders to somewhat erode democracy and undermine redistributive programs that once supported it. Citizens' beliefs and demands sustain democracy, but frustration with hard times and politicians eroded election turnout in 1998. Not a travel guide, the book should interest students, scholars, policy makers, travellers seeking depth of information. Beginning with theories about the nature of democracy and how it develops, Booth traces the growth of Costa Rican politics from militarism and elite rule in the late 19th c. through the development of full democracy since 1949. Chapters focus on how the present constitution and institutions work, social structure and civil society. There are also chapters political participation and culture, political economy under external neoliberal pressures, and foreign policy. Tables and an appendix provide abundant data on elections, politics, economy, and society through 1998.