Democracy in Latin America: Political Change in Comparative Perspective Peter H. Smith Democracy in Latin America examines processes of democratization in Latin America from 1900 to the present. Organized thematically, with a unique historical perspective, the book provides a widespread view of political transformation throughout the entire region. In clear and jargon-free prose, the book: * Traces the origins and evolution of democracy in Latin America * Examines the adoption and reform of electoral institutions * Assesses the policy performance of contemporary democracies * Explores the political representation of women, workers, and indigenous peoples * Evaluates trends in public opinion * Reveals the recent rise of "illiberal democracy" Adroitly blending qualitative and quantitative approaches, Democracy in Latin America offers a new and startling explanation for the prevalence of electoral democracy in modern-day Latin America and presents an in-depth analysis of political challenges now confronting the region as a whole - including poverty, inequality, and criminality. Peter H. Smith is Professor of Political Science and Simon Bolivar Professor of Latin America Studies at the University of California, San Diego. A former president of the Latin America Studies Association, he is the author of twenty books, including Talons of the Eagle: Dynamics of U.S. - Latin American Relations (OUP, 2000) and Modern Latin America, Sixth Edition (OUP, 2004), with coauthor Thomas E. Skidmore.