Although the military has historically played a pivotal role in
Latin American politics and society, until now little attention has
been paid to the complex set of civilian-military relations in each
country. This collection of essays, the product of a long-term
research program organized by a group of prominent Latin American
scholars, compares current linkages among the armed forces and
local social and political structures and institutions. Within each
nation studied, the contributing author found increasing military
autonomy vis-a-vis the state. They show that this institutional
autonomy has allowed the military to develop as independent
political entities within the various countries, a process that
seems to be common to all Latin American societies. Their research
also demonstrates how the military diversifies itself when
acquiring higher degrees of institutional autonomy. Collectively,
the contributors contend that although civilian democratic forces
will play a much larger role in political decisionmaking in this
decade as compared to the last, it is evident that armed forces
will retain a considerable share of political power. Regardless of
the institutional arrangement, the military will continue to
exercise significant veto power over civilian political forces. The
independent military that has emerged is a new variable that must
be taken into account in future analyses of Latin America's secular
political crisis. By compiling the first complete analysis of Latin
American military forces and their role in contemporary domestic
politics, editor Augusto Varas has made a significant contribution
to the study of Latin American politics. This first examination of
the role of the armed forces during a period of relative political
stability will be welcomed by historians and political scientists
alike.
General
Is the information for this product incomplete, wrong or inappropriate?
Let us know about it.
Does this product have an incorrect or missing image?
Send us a new image.
Is this product missing categories?
Add more categories.
Review This Product
No reviews yet - be the first to create one!
Welcome to Loot.co.za!
Sign in / Register |Wishlists & Gift Vouchers |Help | Advanced search
(4)
