The Paradox of Democracy in Latin America: Ten Country Studies of Division and Resilience

This is an insightful account of a key issue in Latin American politics. The problem of constructing and defending democracy is analyzed through case studies which provide a rich overview of how democracy has fared in the region. At the same time, the narrative is both sharply focused and sweeping in scope.

Pablo Policzer, Canada Research Chair in Latin American Politics, University of Calgary

For those seeking to explore the uneven terrain of Latin American democracy, Isbester and her colleagues provide a handy set of conceptual and empirical maps. Synthesizing a large amount of literature, this volume offers a theoretically-informed and historically-grounded analysis of the interaction of states, economies, and civil societies in ten important countries.

José Antonio Lucero, Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies, University of Washington

The Paradox of Democracy is a thoughtful contribution for students of Latin American politics. The democratic transitions in the region have not, unfortunately, yielded unambiguous gains. Katherine Isbester and the contributors force the reader to consider both the achievements and the shortcomings of democracy. The book can serve as an excellent stand-alone or complementary text for courses on Latin American politics.

Scott J. Morgenstern, University of Pittsburgh