Governing Latin America

Governing Latin America is a concise yet comprehensive introduction to the contemporary politics of the region. Focusing on the enduring difficulties of achieving democratic stability, it explores the conduct of government through classic concepts like authority, accountability, and participation. The book brings Latin America into mainstream, comparative politics. The book combines regional and international perspectives into an original synthesis. The book is organized around comparative topics, not particular countries. The focus is on government and the difficulties of achieving democratic stability. The approach is thematic and uses classic concepts of political science.

List of Figures. List of Tables. Introduction: Governing Latin America. Part I: Authority And Power. 1. Authoritarianism And Democracy In Latin America. 2. Latin America And The Democratic Universe. Part II: Accountability And Legitimacy. 3. Government And Citizens. 4. Constitutionalism And The Rule Of Law. Part III: Representation, Political And Social Rights. 5. Political Parties. 6. Presidents, Legislatures, And Elections. 7. Political And Social Rights. Part IV: Participation, Contestation, And Civil Rights. 8. New Political Actors. 9. Minority And Indigenous Rights. 10. Uneven Democratic Performance. Notes. References. Index