The Dictionary of Contemporary Politics of South America

Book excerpt: First published in 1989, The Dictionary of Contemporary Politics of South America provides a guide to the most important organizations, figures, events and themes in the contemporary politics of South America. The countries covered are Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, Brazil, Suriname and Guyana, as well as the French overseas department of French Guiana. Central American and Caribbean affairs are also touched on when they have implications for South American politics. Taking a broad definition of the term ‘contemporary’, the authors isolate the strands of recent history which have a continual influence on political thinking. Although first published in 1989, this book will be a valuable resource for journalists, students, diplomats, business people, and anyone else who is interested in the politics of this richly diverse continent.