Politics of Latin America : the power game / Harry E. Vanden, Gary Prevost.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction. Notes on Studying Politics in Latin America -- 1. An Introduction to Twenty-First Century Latin America -- 2. Early History -- 3. Democracy, Dictators, and Tio Sam: A Historical Overview from Independence to the Present Day -- 4. The Other Americans -- 5. Society, Family, and Gender -- 6. Religion in Latin America -- 7. The Political Economy of Latin America -- 8. Democracy and Authoritarianism: Latin American Political Culture -- 9. Politics, Power, Institutions, and Actors -- 10. Struggling for Change: Revolution, Social and Political Movements in Latin America -- 11. Guatemala / Susanne Jonas -- 12. Mexico / Nora Hamilton -- 13. Cuba / Gary Prevost -- 14. Brazil / Wilber Albert Chaffee -- 15. Argentina / Aldo C. Vacs -- 16. Chile / Eduardo Silva -- 17. Venezuela / Daniel Hellinger -- 18. Colombia / John C. Dugas -- 19. Nicaragua / Gary Prevost and Harry E. Vanden -- 20. Bolivia / Waltraud Q. Morales -- App. 1. Presidential Elections -- App. 2. Recent Legislative Elections.

"Now in its third edition, Politics of Latin America explores both the evolution and the current state of the political scene in Latin America. Distinguishing itself from more traditional works on Latin American politics, this text demonstrates a nuanced sensitivity to the use and abuse of power and the importance of social conditions, gender, race, globalization, and political economy throughout Latin America. This new edition includes a new chapter on Bolivia and a stronger focus on anti-neoliberal economics, U.S.-Latin American relations, women's issues, and social movements." "Incorporating maps, tables, chronologies, bibliographies, and clear indications of key players, Politics of Latin America, Third Edition, is indispensable for students and other readers wishing to gain a deeper understanding of this complex, dynamic, and rapidly changing region of the world."--BOOK JACKET.