Description
Book SynopsisStrong, colorful personalities who impose their will upon laws, constitutions, courts, and congresses are an enduring feature of Latin American politics, beginning with the violent regional bosses (caudillos) of the early nineteenth century and continuing with the ''hyper-presidential'' systems of today. Paul Lewis explores the origins of the region''s authoritarian culture and the different types of regimes that have exhibited it. Taking a student-friendly chronological approach, this thoughtful and accessible text begins with a brief overview of Latin America''s Iberian heritage, then describes the general breakdown of order and the rise of the caudillos following independence. Lewis shows how the internal dynamics of caudillo politics have produced, in one country after another, either strong personalistic dictatorships or oligarchies that ruthlessly imposed order on their societies. Order made economic growth and urbanization possible, yet created great social injustices that spurr
Trade ReviewA concise, readable overview, based on solid sources. Thematically presented, it is a welcome resource for undergraduate classes. -- Jose Morales, New Jersey City University
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Authoritarianism in Latin America Chapter 2 The Undemocratic Culture Chapter 3 Three Deviant Regimes Chapter 4 National Dictators Chapter 5 Liberal Oligarchies Chapter 6 The Masses Enter Politics Chapter 7 Corporatism Chapter 8 Tyranny and Succession Chapter 9 The Marxists Chapter 10 Counterrevolutionaries Chapter 11 The Prospects for Democracy
