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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.
Inviting in tone and organization but rigorous in its scholarship, this collection focuses on the problems, successes, and multiple forms of democracy in Latin America.
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.
This is an insightful account of a key issue in Latin American politics. The problem of constructing and defending democracy is analyzed through case studies which provide a rich overview of how democracy has fared in the region. At the same time, the narrative is both sharply focused and sweeping in scope.
Pablo Policzer, Canada Research Chair in Latin American Politics, University of Calgary
For those seeking to explore the uneven terrain of Latin American democracy, Isbester and her colleagues provide a handy set of conceptual and empirical maps. Synthesizing a large amount of literature, this volume offers a theoretically-informed and historically-grounded analysis of the interaction of states, economies, and civil societies in ten important countries.
José Antonio Lucero, Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies, University of Washington
The Paradox of Democracy is a thoughtful contribution for students of Latin American politics. The democratic transitions in the region have not, unfortunately, yielded unambiguous gains. Katherine Isbester and the contributors force the reader to consider both the achievements and the shortcomings of democracy. The book can serve as an excellent stand-alone or complementary text for courses on Latin American politics.
Scott J. Morgenstern, University of Pittsburgh