Democracy is deep peril in Latin America, as is U.S. policy in the region. Public support for democracy has declined dramatically since the impressive 'third wave' transitions to democracy in the 1980s and 1990s, and public opinion surveys show almost half of Latin Americans prefer 'strong government,' often a euphemism for authoritarianism. Meanwhile, U.S. policy toward Latin America has returned to far-from-benign neglect. The democratic gains of the last two decades are under threat, neither in Latin America nor in the United States do policymakers seem to have any viable alternatives or solutions to the present malaise. This balanced, clear study explores why democracy in Latin America is so troubled, and why U.S. policy in the area so often goes astray. Howard Wiarda argues that because Latin America was built on a different basis than the United States and has a different history, political culture, and social foundation, it cannot possibly imitate the U.S. model of democracy. Indeed, U.S. policy in Latin America goes astray not just through neglect but through misunderstanding. Ultimately, the author argues, it is only with a renewed and respectful U.S. policy approach-one that includes engaging with the myriad histories and cultures of the region-can the United States hope to encourage a strong and effective democratic tradition there.

Beginning with an introduction to the field of comparative politics, this clear and complete text moves on to explore new, innovative directions in the field. Leading scholar Howard J. Wiarda explores its main approaches, including political development, political culture, dependency theory, corporatism, indigenous theories of change, state-society relations, rational choice, and the new institutionalism. Wiarda addresses many hot issues in the field: Can democracy and human rights be transplanted from one culture to another? Is civil society exportable? What works in the effort to develop the poorer nations and what doesn't? Where are we headed with such frontier research issues as comparative environmental policy, women's rights, and gay rights? The book concludes with a stimulating discussion of whether the great systems debates of the past (socialism vs. capitalism, democracy vs. authoritarianism) are now over and points to some of the next important study and research frontiers. Students, professors, and general readers will all find Comparative Politics current, provocative, and well written-a truly balanced overview.

In The Crisis of American Foreign Policy, noted scholar Howard J. Wiarda argues that the foreign policy of the United States reflects the divisions and dysfunctions we see in our domestic culture and society. Examining the main traditions, institutions, and challenges of American foreign policy, this text is an entertaining read as well as a serious one. It tackles such critical issues as ethnocentrism in foreign policy as well as U.S. efforts to extend democracy, human rights, and civil society in other countries. It includes a balanced chapter on globalization and a discussion on how to deal with authoritarian regimes. With his long experience in Washington policymaking, Wiarda offers especially innovative chapters on the links between foreign policy and Washington think tanks, lobbying and interest groups in the foreign affairs area, and Washington social life. Key areas covered include Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. Concise, clearly written, well-organized, challenging, and provocative, this is a textbook that students and professors are sure to appreciate.

In The Crisis of American Foreign Policy, noted scholar Howard J. Wiarda argues that the foreign policy of the United States reflects the divisions and dysfunctions we see in our domestic culture and society. Examining the main traditions, institutions, and challenges of American foreign policy, this text is an entertaining read as well as a serious one. It tackles such critical issues as ethnocentrism in foreign policy as well as U.S. efforts to extend democracy, human rights, and civil society in other countries. It includes a balanced chapter on globalization and a discussion on how to deal with authoritarian regimes. With his long experience in Washington policymaking, Wiarda offers especially innovative chapters on the links between foreign policy and Washington think tanks, lobbying and interest groups in the foreign affairs area, and Washington social life. Key areas covered include Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. Concise, clearly written, well-organized, challenging, and provocative, this is a textbook that students and professors are sure to appreciate.

Beginning with an introduction to the field of comparative politics, this clear and complete text moves on to explore new, innovative directions in the field. Leading scholar Howard J. Wiarda explores its main approaches, including political development, political culture, dependency theory, corporatism, indigenous theories of change, state-society relations, rational choice, and the new institutionalism. Wiarda addresses many hot issues in the field: Can democracy and human rights be transplanted from one culture to another? Is civil society exportable? What works in the effort to develop the poorer nations and what doesn't? Where are we headed with such frontier research issues as comparative environmental policy, women's rights, and gay rights? The book concludes with a stimulating discussion of whether the great systems debates of the past (socialism vs. capitalism, democracy vs. authoritarianism) are now over and points to some of the next important study and research frontiers. Students, professors, and general readers will all find Comparative Politics current, provocative, and well written-a truly balanced overview.