Politics Latin America / Gavin O'Toole.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction ― pt. 1. An introduction to Latin American history ― 1. From independence to the 1930s ― 2. From the Great Depression to democratization ― pt. 2. Institutions, processes, and actors ― 3. Democratization and the quality of democracy ― 4. The challenges facing democracy ― 5. The presidency ― 6. Legislatures, parties, the judiciary, and public administration ― 7. Established political actors ― 8. Civil society and emergent political actors ― pt. 3. International relations ― 9. Inter-state relations within Latin America ― 10. The US and Latin America ― 11. Latin America, Europe, and Asia ― pt. 4. Political ideas ― 12. Left and right ― 13. Identities: nationalism, race, ethnicity, ecologism, and sexuality ― pt. 5. Economic ideas ― 14. Structuralism, dependency, and redistributive models ― 15. Neoliberalism ― 16. Environmental economics and sustainable development.

Politics Latin America examines the role of Latin America in the world and its importance to the study of politics. A particular emphasis is placed on the institutions and processes that exist to guarantee democracy and the forces that threaten to compromise it. Now in its third edition and fully revised to reflect recent developments in the region, Politics Latin America provides students and teachers with an accessible overview of the region's unique political and economic landscape. It covers every aspect of governance in its 21 countries. The book examines the international relations of Latin American states as they seek to carve out a role in an increasingly globalized world and will be an ideal introduction for undergraduate courses in Latin American politics, comparative politics, and other disciplines. This new edition will include: updated references to scholarship and debates; new themes such as environmental rights, women presidents, the Latin American Pope, Afro-Latinos, and the politics of sexual diversity; examination of demographic change and social movements; a new chapter on environmental economics and sustainable development. This book is essential reading for undergraduates taking courses in Latin American Politics.