First published in 1985. Revolution has been often defined, often abused as a descriptive term for elements of the political process. This book analyses the concept of revolution, and discusses ways in which this concept has changed from Aristotle to the late twentieth-century. The historical circumstances which have shaped the idea and caused it to change are outlined. Special attention is given to the Marxist tradition and to modernisation theory. The case studies comprise the Soviet Union since the Bolshevik Revolution, Nazi Germany 1933-45, China from about 1920, the struggle for political independence and economic development in Guinea-Bissau since the 1950s and the significance of the 1968 explosion in France. This book is intended for undergraduate students of history and politics. The emphasis is placed on the interpretation of political events and ideas. The book also seeks to introduce the vital contribution that can be made to the study of revolution by other disciplines like sociology and philosophy.

First published in 1985. Revolution has been often defined, often abused as a descriptive term for elements of the political process. This book analyses the concept of revolution, and discusses ways in which this concept has changed from Aristotle to the late twentieth-century. The historical circumstances which have shaped the idea and caused it to change are outlined. Special attention is given to the Marxist tradition and to modernisation theory. The case studies comprise the Soviet Union since the Bolshevik Revolution, Nazi Germany 1933-45, China from about 1920, the struggle for political independence and economic development in Guinea-Bissau since the 1950s and the significance of the 1968 explosion in France. This book is intended for undergraduate students of history and politics. The emphasis is placed on the interpretation of political events and ideas. The book also seeks to introduce the vital contribution that can be made to the study of revolution by other disciplines like sociology and philosophy.

Since the 1970s, Nicaragua has experienced four major regime changes-shifts in its fundamental logic, structure, and operational code of governance. What accounts for such instability? Have other states that transitioned to democracy followed a similar path? Considering these questions, David Close explores the dynamics of Nicaragua's movements toward and away from democracy since 1979.

The three plays in this book were written and designed to develop the reading skill of children through a fun and exciting format. Creative thinking, writing and comprehension worksheets are contained at the end of each play. Key word attack techniques are located on the last page of the book. The main characters in each play are ten children, who are suddenly placed into very challenging situations. The children are faced with adventures, which require leadership, courage, teamwork and creative thinking in order to survive. The author has a doctorate in cognitive studies, a master of science degree in reading and a bachelor of science degree in history and physical education. He has many years of successful teaching experience. The majority of his experience is in the field of diagnostic and developmental reading. Classmates, friends and family members will enjoy reading and learning from the excitement and fun offered by the contents contained in all three of the plays contained in this book.

What role will legislatures have in the efforts to consolidate democracy in Latin America? Seven case-studies (Mexico, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay) focus on 'the conditions under which legislatures work in Latin America's transitional polities.' Needler suggests that the current trend toward democratic rule - 'the most democratic in Latin American history' - may usher in a greater role for legislatures in promoting governments free of military intervention, authoritarian dictatorships, and intrusive US foreign policymaking. Legislatures now merit much more attention than in past studies of government and politics"--Handbook of Latin American Studies, v. 57.

Latin American Politics is aimed at Latin American politics courses offered out of political science departments at the second- and third-year levels. Unlike many texts in this area, which tend to take a country-by-country approach, this book takes a thematic approach and covers such topics as Latin America's history, violence, democracy, and political economy. This approach is self-consciously comparative and encourages students to develop stronger comparative analysis skills. Fully updated and revised, this second edition includes a new chapter on parties, elections, and movements. Each chapter is now framed by a prologue and an epilogue to engage readers and provide more country-specific content.

In an effort to understand how and why democratically elected governments evade the limitations that democratic accountability and popular participation place on them, Undoing Democracy examines how democratic rule was undermined in Nicaragua in the 1990's. David Close and Kalowatie Deonandan focus their analysis on the pact struck between the country's two main parties, the Liberals and the Sandinistas, which allowed the passage of the constitutional amendments that weakened Nicaragua's basic political institutions. The authors also consider, in detail, the country's political economy as well as the roles played by civil society, the Catholic Church, and NGOs. Undoing Democracy will sharpen our understanding of democratic transition and consolidation, and will serve as an important contribution to the literature on Nicaragua, Latin American politics, and democratization.

In an effort to understand how and why democratically elected governments evade the limitations that democratic accountability and popular participation place on them, Undoing Democracy examines how democratic rule was undermined in Nicaragua in the 1990's. David Close and Kalowatie Deonandan focus their analysis on the pact struck between the country's two main parties, the Liberals and the Sandinistas, which allowed the passage of the constitutional amendments that weakened Nicaragua's basic political institutions. The authors also consider, in detail, the country's political economy as well as the roles played by civil society, the Catholic Church, and NGOs. Undoing Democracy will sharpen our understanding of democratic transition and consolidation, and will serve as an important contribution to the literature on Nicaragua, Latin American politics, and democratization.