This volume represents recent anthropological research on the political economy of Latin America. Dependency theories, modes of production analysis, and theories of the state all attempt to conceptualize the interrelations among "class," "interest," and, at some level, "power." All three, that is, focus on classical questions of political economy. The studies presented in this volume both draw on the insights of this literature and challenge the grander theories in important respects. The chapters in this volume represent an anthropological contribution to the political economy of Latin America, a bypassing of dependency theory and the adoption of its successors, mode of production analysis and state theory.

This volume represents recent anthropological research on the political economy of Latin America. Dependency theories, modes of production analysis, and theories of the state all attempt to conceptualize the interrelations among "class," "interest," and, at some level, "power." All three, that is, focus on classical questions of political economy. The studies presented in this volume both draw on the insights of this literature and challenge the grander theories in important respects. The chapters in this volume represent an anthropological contribution to the political economy of Latin America, a bypassing of dependency theory and the adoption of its successors, mode of production analysis and state theory.

"Retreat of mountain glaciers ranks alongside sea level rise and extermination of species as one of the greatest threats posed by continued global warming. The authoritative picture painted in "Darkening Peaks" should help bring humanity to its senses and to spur the actions needed."--James E. Hansen, NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies
"This important and timely book elucidates how glacier retreat is affecting physical, biological, and human systems simultaneously. The authors' perspectives from mountain regions worldwide provide key insights at both global and local scales."--Cynthia Rosenzweig, Earth Institute, Columbia University
"From an impressive range of disciplinary perspectives and geographic locations, Darkening Peaks provides a refreshing look at the real complexities involved with the causes and consequences of environmental change."--Roger A. Pielke, Jr., author of "The Honest Broker: Making Sense of Science in Policy and Politics"
"Glaciers play a major role in teaching us about our planet's past, and in warning us about its future. They inspire fear, awe, and fascination. Whatever your interest in glaciers, you will find this rich, broadly ranging volume exciting."--Jared Diamond, author of "Guns, Germs, and Steel" and "Collapse"
""Darkening Peaks" is a dazzling fusion of hard science, historical narrative, and cultural context that outlines social responses for coping with our changing environment."--Stephen H. Schneider, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
"Combining the latest research results from the social and natural sciences, "Darkening Peaks" succeeds in giving a timely and detailed account of the cultural perceptions, scientificobservations, trends, impacts, and responses associated with glacial retreat. Highly recommended."--John Schellnhuber CBE, Chief Science Advisor to the German government and Director, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research

This beautifully written book weaves reflections on anthropological fieldwork together with evocative meditations on a spectacular landscape as it takes us to the remote indigenous villages on the shore of Lake Titicaca, high in the Peruvian Andes. Ben Orlove brings alive the fishermen, reed cutters, boat builders, and families of this isolated region, and describes the role that Lake Titicaca has played in their culture. He describes the landscapes and rhythms of life in the Andean highlands as he considers the intrusions of modern technology and economic demands in the region. "Lines in the Water "tells a local version of events that are taking place around the world, but with an unusual outcome: people here have found ways to maintain their cultural autonomy and to protect their fragile mountain environment.
The Peruvian highlanders have confronted the pressures of modern culture with remarkable vitality. They use improved boats and gear and sell fish to new markets but have fiercely opposed efforts to strip them of their indigenous traditions. They have retained their customary practice of limiting the amount of fishing and have continued to pass cultural knowledge from one generation to the next--practices that have prevented the ecological crises that have followed commercialization of small-scale fisheries around the world. This book--at once a memoir and an ethnography--is a personal and compelling account of a research experience as well as an elegantly written treatise on themes of global importance. Above all, Orlove reminds us that human relations with the environment, though constantly changing, can be sustainable.