Latin American Politics

Eduardo Aleman is an associate professor of political science at the University of Houston. Professor Aleman teaches courses in comparative politics, political institutions, and Latin American politics. He specializes in the comparative analysis of political institutions and the politics of Latin America. Professor Aleman has published numerous articles in such journals as World Politics, Comparative Politics, Legislative Studies Quarterly, Latin American Politics and Society, and Latin American Research Review. He is also the co-editor of the book, Legislative Institutions and Lawmaking in Latin America (2016), with George Tsebelis.

List of Figures List of Tables Preface Acknowledgments About the Author Part I - Background Chapter 1: Colonial Legacy and the Post-Independence Period Colonial Latin America Independence and the Struggle for Political Order Conclusions Key Terms Bibliographic Recommendations Chapter 2: Political Regimes and Democratic Stability What is Democracy? Regime Transitions and Democratic Survival Conclusions Key Terms Bibliographic Recommendations Web Resources Chapter 3: Guerrillas and Revolutions Guerrilla Movements in Latin America The Cuban Revolution The Nicaraguan Revolution Failed Revolutions in El Salvador and Guatemala Guerrillas and the Peace Process in Colombia Conclusions Key Terms Bibliographic Recommendations Web Resources Chapter 4: U.S.-Latin American Relations The Cold War The Aftermath of the Cold War The Early 21st Century Conclusions Key Terms Bibliographic Recommendations Web Resources Part II - Institutions Chapter 5: Latin American Presidentialism Presidentialism and Its Critique Constitutional Variations in Latin American Presidentialism Differences between U.S. and Latin American Presidentialism Presidential Instability Conclusions Key Terms Bibliographic Recommendations Web Resources Chapter 6: Legislatures in Latin America The Legislative Branch Organization Legislative Voting Behavior Conclusions Key Terms Bibliographic Recommendations Chapter 7: Elections and Electoral Rules Suffrage Extensions Compulsory Voting Rules for Electing Presidents Rules for Electing Members of Congress The Consequences of Congressional Electoral Rules Conclusions Key Terms Bibliographic Recommendations Web Resources Chapter 8: The Judiciary Judicial Independence Judicial Authority Perceptions of the Judiciary Conclusions Key Terms Bibliographic Recommendations Part III - Political Attitudes, Policies, and Outcomes Chapter 9: Political Culture Support for Democracy Confidence in Institutions and Interpersonal Trust Ideological Positions Conclusions Key Terms Bibliographic Recommendations Web Resources Chapter 10: Corruption Corruption Efforts to Combat Corruption Measuring Corruption Corruption Scandals Conclusions Key Terms Bibliographic Recommendations Web Resources Chapter 11: Civil Liberties and Press Freedom What Are Civil Liberties? The Right to Life and Liberty Free Expression, Peaceful Assembly, and Religious Freedom Press Freedom Property Rights Conclusions Key Terms Bibliographic Recommendations Web Resources Chapter 12: Income Inequality, Poverty, and the Gender Gap Income Inequality The Gender Gap Conclusions Key Terms Bibliographic Recommendations Web Resources Glossary Notes Index

This book does an excellent job of striking a balance between covering breath of the region and providing in-depth examples from individual countries. Further it represents broad trends uncovered in political science research while using numerous examples to clearly illustrate the concepts and social science findings. -- Tiffany D. Barnes * Review * Latin American Politics offers its readers a unique approach to an old topic. Through systematically analyzing the politics of the region and synthesizing it for its readers, this book is sure to offer something great. -- T. Adam Golob * Review * Eduardo Aleman's book is a very comprehensive contribution for the study of Latin American politics. It tackles the most relevant dimensions of analysis for the region with historical depth, consistent empirical sources, and genuine simplicity. While developing a clear argumentative line, the book also incorporates the most salient works in political science over the region, along with valuable perspectives from other disciplines. It is noteworthy how it successfully integrates discussions on historical legacies, social movements, political institutions, and attitudes of Latin Americans; building up a useful resource for subjects interested in the region. Students and professors of Latin America will greatly enjoy the systematic approach utilized in the book. -- Juan Pablo Micozzi