Democracy and Its Discontents in Latin America

Book excerpt: Why is there so much discontent with democracy across Latin America? Are regimes being judged by unrealistic standards of success¿or is there legitimate cause for criticism in light of widespread failures to deliver either transparency or effective public policies? Addressing these questions across a variety of dimensions, the authors explore the diverse ways in which the specific nature of Latin American democracy explains the current performance of the region¿s democratic governments. Joe Foweraker is emeritus fellow of St Antony¿s College at the University of Oxford, where he previously was professor of Latin American politics. His numerous publications include Citizenship and Social Movements (with Todd Landman) and Governing Latin America (with Todd Landman and Neil Harvey). Dolores Trevizo is professor of sociology at Occidental College. She is author of Rural Protest and the Making of Democracy in Mexico, 1968-2000.