Comparative Politics of Latin America: Democracy at Last?
"Comparative Politics of Latin America: Democracy at Last? is a text that will meet the needs of both Latin American Studies and Political Science courses. Unraveling the contending theoretical paradigms that have been used to interpret the region, it offers a comprehensive political history in a modern and unbiased framework of comparative politics, employing an analytical approach that encompasses unfolding recent events. Using democracy as its underlying theme, pedagogically it is user friendly, with frequent interjections that will help students navigate the historically and theoretically complex material that is presented." --Marjorie W. Bray, California State University,aLos Angeles "Comparative Politics of Latin America: Democracy at Last? is comprehensive, up-to-date, well-written, and accurate. Further, it should become a leading text for comparative Latin America classes. I recommend it enthusiastically for upper-level and graduate classes." --Philip Kelly, Emporia State University "Hellinger's book is the product of a lifetime of commitment to scholarship and activism in the Americas. His tremendous breadth of familiarity with Latin American politics is visible as he teaches the subject through critical theories and approaches of comparative politics. The book is highly accessible, organized around important themes and issues, and supplemented by well-thought out case studies. Most importantly, Hellinger's concern for student learning is evident throughout." --Tony Spanakos, Montclair State University "Hellinger has produced a remarkable teaching and learning tool. This well paced, lively and engaging text is based on immense scholarship and a deep engagement with the region. Drawing on his vast experience of teaching and researching on Latin America, Hellinger has packed centuries of history, theory, and analysis into a highly accessible, well paced, and comprehensive text. This is an invaluable book that will facilitate deep and reflective engagement with a complex and dynamic region." --Julia Buxton, University of Bradford "This textbook is a welcome addition to the study of Latin American politics. It brings together competing leftist and pluralist approaches to democracy, allowing students to see the insights of each. The subject-oriented approach nicely balances country specificity with generalizeable concepts and theories." --Kirk Hawkins, Brigham Young University "Hellinger's Comparative Politics of Latin America: Democracy at Last? is a rare achievement among introductory textbooks. Simultaneously accessible and substantively rich, he has crafted a book sure to engage both students and area specialists teaching the course. Like no other text on the market, it is carefully designed to stimulate debate over the nature of democracy and its relationship to economic and social equity. This book guarantees a lively classroom around questions as enduring as the concept of democracy itself." --Eduardo Silva, Tulane University