The economic crisis of the 1980s along with the collapse of authoritarianism has forced Latin American to undergo a significant political and economic transformation. In addition to building democratic institutions, governments are withdrawing from their role in the economy. Each will be used to introduce important general themes that are relevant to all regions of the world. You will gain a working knowledge of the politics in each country, the major actors, and the developments that led to the current situation. Armed with that information, you will be asked to evaluate various theories and explanations used to understand Latin American politics.
Attendance is mandatory.
Popular Organization and Democracy in Rio de Janeiro, Temple University Press. Andres Oppenheimer, 1996. Nicaragua without Illusions. Ronald M. Schneider. Thomas Skidmore and Peter Smith, 1997.