This study examines fundamental theoretical and conceptual issues of social change in Latin America in the context of detailed empirical analysis. It challenges the major assumptions and propositions that underlie globalization theory, reworking and fine tuning the concepts of imperialism and social class as relevant to understanding the "new world order." The study centers on the structural features of Latin America and the state policies reconcentrating power in the capitalist class at the expense of labor. It also critically surveys the contradictory tendencies of concentrated wealth and power and the emergence of new socio-political movements and alternative development strategies to the dominant paradigm.

This study examines fundamental theoretical and conceptual issues of social change in Latin America in the context of detailed empirical analysis. It challenges the major assumptions and propositions that underlie globalization theory, reworking and fine tuning the concepts of imperialism and social class as relevant to understanding the 'new world order'. The study centers on the structural features of Latin America and the state policies reconcentrating power in the capitalist class at the expense of labor. The study surveys the contradictory tendencies of concentrated wealth and power and the emergence of new socio-political movements and alternative development strategies to the dominant paradigm.

This book analyses the progress and failures of capitalist development against the backdrop of an increasingly globalised world economy organised on neoliberal principles. It brings together eminent writers on the political economy of international development such as Kari Polanyi-Levitt, Norman Girvan, Osvaldo Sunkel, Paul Bowles, Manfred Bienefeld and Walden Bellos, to examine from a critical perspective the contemporary dynamics of a system in crisis--issues of capitalist development and globalization within the neoliberal world order. The essays, written in tribute to Surendra Patel for his contribution to the field of development studies, cover subjects including the financial crisis of 2008, the regional dynamics of neoliberal globalization, democracy and development, the political economy of natural resource extraction, and the formation of a postneoliberal state oriented towards a new economic model. Drawing on an analysis of the development process in the Caribbean, Latin America, Africa and the Philippines, it considers the historical foundations that impact on economic growth and technological transformation, and evaluates the relationship between capital and the state, and the role of NGOs and social movements in the context of the debate on neoliberal globalization. Development in an Era of Neoliberal Globalization will be of interest to students and scholars of international politics and economic development, the political economy of globalisation, the sociology and politics of development, and developments in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The Politics of Agrarian Reform in Brazil examines the interrelationships among peasant mobilization, agrarian reform and cooperativism in contemporary Brazil. Specifically, it addresses the challenges facing peasant movements in their pursuit of political and economic democracy. The book takes as a point of reference the Landless Rural Workers Movement (MST), the most dynamic force for progressive social change in Latin America today. Robles and Veltmeyer argue that the MST has effectively practiced the politics of land occupation and the politics of agricultural cooperativism to consolidate the food sovereignty model of agrarian reform. However, the rapid expansion of the corporate-led agribusiness model, which is supported by Brazil's political elite, has undermined the MST's efforts. The authors argue that despite intense peasant mobilization, agrarian reform remains an unfulfilled political promise in Brazil.

This book explores the battleground between neoliberal capitalist development processes in Latin America and the challenges to these systems that can be found through innovative community-driven buen vivir/vivir bien initiatives. In the current climate of worldwide capitalist development, Latin America is caught between left-leaning proposals for progressive policies towards a more inclusive form of development, and the re-emergence of harsh austerity measures, neoliberal reforms and right-wing populism. Divided into two parts, this book first provides a retrospective analysis of the advance of resource-seeking ‘extractive’ capital across the continent since the 1990s. The second part goes on to focus on forward-looking challenges to neoliberal capitalist development, focusing in particular on the indigenous notion of buen vivir/vivir bien – the concept of ‘living well’ in social solidarity and harmony with nature. Drawing on cases in Mexico and Venezuela, the book argues that it will be through these new approaches to social change that we will move beyond development as we know it towards a more inclusive form of ‘postdevelopment’. Looking hopefully towards this future of development, this collection offers an essential analysis of the vortex of social change currently consuming Latin America and will be key reading for advanced scholars and researchers in the fields of Development Studies, Latin America Studies, Politics, and Social Change.

This book investigates how extractive capitalism has developed over the past three decades, what dynamics of resistance have been deployed to combat it, and whether extractivism can ever be transformed into being a part of a progressive development path. It was not until the 21st century that the extraction of natural resources and raw materials took on a decidedly capitalist form, with the global north extracting primary commodities from the global south as a means of capital accumulation. This book investigates whether extractivism, despite its well-documented negative and destructive socioenvironmental impacts and the powerful forces of resistance that it has generated, could ever be transformed into a sustainable post-development strategy. Drawing on diverse sectoral forms of extractivism (mining, fossil fuels, agriculture), this book analyses the dynamics of both the forces of resistance generated by the advance of extractive capital and alternate scenarios for a more sustainable and liveable future. The book draws particularly on the Latin American experience, where both the propensity of capitalism towards crisis and the development of resistance dynamics to 'extractive' capital have had their greatest impact in the neoliberal era. This book will be of interest to researchers and students across development studies, economics, political economy, environmental studies, indigenous studies, and Latin American affairs.

This book explores the battleground between neoliberal capitalist development processes in Latin America and the challenges to these systems that can be found through innovative community-driven buen vivir/vivir bien initiatives. In the current climate of worldwide capitalist development, Latin America is caught between left-leaning proposals for progressive policies towards a more inclusive form of development, and the re-emergence of harsh austerity measures, neoliberal reforms and right-wing populism. Divided into two parts, this book first provides a retrospective analysis of the advance of resource-seeking ‘extractive’ capital across the continent since the 1990s. The second part goes on to focus on forward-looking challenges to neoliberal capitalist development, focusing in particular on the indigenous notion of buen vivir/vivir bien – the concept of ‘living well’ in social solidarity and harmony with nature. Drawing on cases in Mexico and Venezuela, the book argues that it will be through these new approaches to social change that we will move beyond development as we know it towards a more inclusive form of ‘postdevelopment’. Looking hopefully towards this future of development, this collection offers an essential analysis of the vortex of social change currently consuming Latin America and will be key reading for advanced scholars and researchers in the fields of Development Studies, Latin America Studies, Politics, and Social Change.

This book explores the dynamics of the recent 'progressive cycle' in Latin American politics, associated with a red and pink tide of regime change. With this cycle of centre-left regimes oriented towards an alternative post-neoliberal form of development now coming to an end, coinciding with the end of a 'primary commodities boom' (the demand for natural resources exported in primary form on the world market), the authors seek to explore the dynamics of the transition from a progressive cycle of regimes oriented towards the search for a more inclusive form of development towards what appears to be another swing in the pendulum of electoral politics towards the far right and a return to neoliberal orthodoxy. Within the vortex of forces of change pushing towards both the Left and the Right, Latin America lies at the centre of ongoing heated theoretical and political debates as to how to bring about a more inclusive and sustainable form of post-neoliberal and post-capitalist development. Latin America in the Vortex of Social Change crucially aims to cut through these debates and explore the dynamics of the forces of change at work in the current conjuncture of capitalist development. With reference to a theoretical framework based on the interaction of three different forms of capitalism (capitalism as usual, extractive capitalism, narco-capitalism), the authors proceed to an analysis of the development and resistance dynamics of the development process that is unfolding on the Latin American political landscape. The book will appeal to scholars of political sociology and political theory with an interest in the political economy of development and Latin American affairs.

We live in a time of dynamic, but generally regressive regime change-a period in which major political transformations and a rollback of a half-century of legislation are accelerated under conditions of a prolonged and deepening economic crisis and a worldwide offensive against the citizenry and the working class. Written by two of the world's leading left-wing thinkers, Imperialism and Capitalism in the Twenty-First Century takes the form of a number of analytical probes into some of the dynamics of capitalist development and imperialism in contemporary conditions of a system in crisis. It is too early to be definitive about the form that capitalism and imperialism -and socialism-might be or is taking, as we are in but the early stages of a new developmental dynamic, the conditions of which are too complex to anticipate or grasp in thought; they require a closer look and much further study from a critical development and Marxist perspective. The purpose of this book is to advance this process and give some form to this perspective.

This completely revised and updated sequel to Globalization and Antiglobalization advances our understanding of the dynamics of neoliberal globalization and draws our attention towards efforts to construct 'another world' beyond neoliberalism. To advance our understanding of these forces and associated processes, the collection brings together eleven specialists in the political economy of international relations and globalization to reflect on and analyze the diverse dimensions of the globalization process. Taking into account significant developments in the dynamics of globalization and antiglobalization over the past years, it includes a new introduction and a new conclusion as well as eight entirely new chapters contributed by authors as diverse and different in their perspectives as James Petras, Walden Bello, Norman Girvan, Paul Bowles, Terry Gibbs, Lisa Thompson and Teivo Teivainen. These dynamics are contextualized with essays on the Caribbean, Latin America, East Asia and Southern Africa. This is an invaluable volume for students, academics and activists concerned with creating a truly new world order.

Collectively documents and analyses economic, political, social and environmental crises and the need to find alternatives to the system that generates them. Each contributor supplements their overview with a guide to the critical development studies literature on the topic thereby providing scholars and students with a precis of the key issues as well as a window into essential further readings. Provides a timely and necessary analysis of the systemic changes that are needed to transform the current world to one where economic and social justice and environmental integrity prevail.

We live in a time of dynamic, but generally regressive regime change-a period in which major political transformations and a rollback of a half-century of legislation are accelerated under conditions of a prolonged and deepening economic crisis and a worldwide offensive against the citizenry and the working class. Written by two of the world's leading left-wing thinkers, Imperialism and Capitalism in the Twenty-First Century takes the form of a number of analytical probes into some of the dynamics of capitalist development and imperialism in contemporary conditions of a system in crisis. It is too early to be definitive about the form that capitalism and imperialism -and socialism-might be or is taking, as we are in but the early stages of a new developmental dynamic, the conditions of which are too complex to anticipate or grasp in thought; they require a closer look and much further study from a critical development and Marxist perspective. The purpose of this book is to advance this process and give some form to this perspective.

The world is at the crossroads of social change, in the vortex of forces that are bringing about a different world, a post-neoliberal state. This groundbreaking book lays out an analysis of the dynamics and contradictions of capitalism in the twenty-first century. These dynamics of forces are traced out in developments across the world - in the Arab Spring of North Africa and the Middle East, in Cuba and elsewhere in Latin America, in the United States, and in Asia. The forces released by a system in crisis can be mobilized in different ways and directions. The focus of the book is on the strategic responses to the systemic crisis. As the authors tell it, these dynamics concern three worldviews and strategic responses. The Davos Consensus focuses on the virtues of the free market and deregulated capitalism as it represents the interests of the global ruling class. The post-Washington Consensus concerns the need to give capital a human face and establish a more inclusive form of development and global governance. In addition to these two visions of the future and projects, the authors identify an emerging radical consensus on the need to move beyond capitalism as well as neoliberalism.

This completely revised and updated sequel to Globalization and Antiglobalization advances our understanding of the dynamics of neoliberal globalization and draws our attention towards efforts to construct 'another world' beyond neoliberalism. To advance our understanding of these forces and associated processes, the collection brings together eleven specialists in the political economy of international relations and globalization to reflect on and analyze the diverse dimensions of the globalization process. Taking into account significant developments in the dynamics of globalization and antiglobalization over the past years, it includes a new introduction and a new conclusion as well as eight entirely new chapters contributed by authors as diverse and different in their perspectives as James Petras, Walden Bello, Norman Girvan, Paul Bowles, Terry Gibbs, Lisa Thompson and Teivo Teivainen. These dynamics are contextualized with essays on the Caribbean, Latin America, East Asia and Southern Africa. This is an invaluable volume for students, academics and activists concerned with creating a truly new world order.

Offering a systematic, critical analysis of the presidency of Fernando Cardoso, this ambitious case study assesses government policies within the framework of the 'new economic model' of globalization and structural adjustment. Petras and Veltmeyer argue that Cardoso paved the way for what amounted to the takeover of a large and important part of Brazil's economy by foreign investors. The authors discuss the neoliberal model of capitalist development, the privatization of key sectors and enterprises, the human cost of structural adjustment, and the search for a community-based form of local development. The crisis in agriculture and the dynamic responses of the country's rural landless workers precipitated the rise of Brazil's populist new president, Lula, whom the authors charge has started down the same path as his predecessor.

Globalization has changed the context for, and the organizational forms of, politics, unleashing forces in support of, and in opposition to, the globalization dynamic. Investigating the dynamics of change and development in two regions of the world economy, Latin America and Asia, this book evaluates these forces, their political dynamics, and the responses of governments and citizens.

The Class Struggle in Latin America: Making History Today analyses the political and economic dynamics of development in Latin America through the lens of class struggle. Focusing in particular on Peru, Paraguay, Chile, Colombia, Argentina, Brazil and Venezuela, the book identifies how the shifts and changing dynamics of the class struggle have impacted on the rise, demise and resurgence of neo-liberal regimes in Latin America. This innovative book offers a unique perspective on the evolving dynamics of class struggle, engaging both the destructive forces of capitalist development and those seeking to consolidate the system and preserve the status quo, alongside the efforts of popular resistance concerned with the destructive ravages of capitalism on humankind, society and the global environment. Using theoretical observations based on empirical and historical case studies, this book argues that the class struggle remains intrinsically linked to the march of capitalist development. At a time when post-neo-liberal regimes in Latin America are faltering, this supplementary text provides a guide to the economic and political dynamics of capitalist development in the region, which will be invaluable to students and researchers of international development, anthropology and sociology, as well as those with an interest in Latin American politics and development.

This book analyses the progress and failures of capitalist development against the backdrop of an increasingly globalised world economy organised on neoliberal principles. It brings together eminent writers on the political economy of international development such as Kari Polanyi-Levitt, Norman Girvan, Osvaldo Sunkel, Paul Bowles, Manfred Bienefeld and Walden Bellos, to examine from a critical perspective the contemporary dynamics of a system in crisis--issues of capitalist development and globalization within the neoliberal world order. The essays, written in tribute to Surendra Patel for his contribution to the field of development studies, cover subjects including the financial crisis of 2008, the regional dynamics of neoliberal globalization, democracy and development, the political economy of natural resource extraction, and the formation of a postneoliberal state oriented towards a new economic model. Drawing on an analysis of the development process in the Caribbean, Latin America, Africa and the Philippines, it considers the historical foundations that impact on economic growth and technological transformation, and evaluates the relationship between capital and the state, and the role of NGOs and social movements in the context of the debate on neoliberal globalization. Development in an Era of Neoliberal Globalization will be of interest to students and scholars of international politics and economic development, the political economy of globalisation, the sociology and politics of development, and developments in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Recent changes in the global economy have brought about a massively devastating pillage of resources in the developing world by multinational corporations, as well as states with energy and food security concerns. These developments have also brought about a major change in the form taken by imperialism (actions taken by the state to advance the interests of the dominant capitalist class). Extractive Imperialism in the Americas explores the changing face of US imperialism in the regional context of the Americas, a major stage of this system in crisis.

Collectively documents and analyses economic, political, social and environmental crises and the need to find alternatives to the system that generates them. Each contributor supplements their overview with a guide to the critical development studies literature on the topic thereby providing scholars and students with a precis of the key issues as well as a window into essential further readings. Provides a timely and necessary analysis of the systemic changes that are needed to transform the current world to one where economic and social justice and environmental integrity prevail.

This is written in honour of James Petras, the revolutionary and anti-imperialist activist and writer, in recognition of his intellectual achievements and political interventions - his steadfast principles, distinguished scholarship, extraordinary writing and uncompromising dedication to the popular struggles of millions across the world. This cutting-edge look at conflict-driven social change acts as a fitting tribute to an intellectual titan.

The book argues that the Cuban Revolution warrants a closer look as a model of socialist human development. A re-reading of the Cuban Revolution from this angle engages unresolved issues in the theory of socialist humanism and the notion of human development popularized by the United Nations Development Programme (i.e., predicated on capitalism). UNDP economists and other agencies of international cooperation for development give a human face to a capitalist development process that is anything but humane. Socialism in Cuba has taken a very different form (socialist human development) than it did elsewhere in the twentieth century. The Cuban Revolution's unique characteristics enabled it to survive adverse conditions - a 'near-perfect storm' - that still threaten its evolution.

Co-operativism and Local Development in Cuba brings together a series of pathbreaking essays that examine the role of co-operativism, and the new co-operatives, in the democratic transformation of Cuba and the government's plan to update the model in the current context. The contributors are well-known specialists on Cuba, co-operativism, and local development. With a shared concern for how an increased focus on co-operativism and local development can contribute to the updating of the Cuban model and the advance of socialism, the contributors have placed their analysis in the broader context of the international co-operative movement and the ongoing capitalist development process in Latin America. Contributors include: Milford Bateman, Al Campbell, Grizel Donestevez Sanchez, Cliff DuRand, Olga Fernandez Rios, Julio C. Gambina, Camila Pineiro Harnecker, Sonja Novkovic, Dayrelis Ojeda Suris, Gabriela Roffinelli, Frederick. S. Royce, Dean Sinkovic, Henry Veltmeyer, Marcelo Vieta.

The growing polarization between the rich and powerful and the poor and powerless, the yawning social and developmental divide and the multidimensional systemic crisis of capitalism have given rise to a fundamental problem of our times: barbarism or socialism? Will we continue on the path of capitalist barbarism or move to a more just socialist system? Bringing together a group of passionate socialists, 21st Century Socialism participates in the emerging and critical debate concerned with reinventing and rebuilding socialism. Revisiting concepts of class and capital, reinventing Marx, problematizing party politics, re-examining alternative forms of socialist politics and learning lessons from Venezuela's Bolivarian Revolution, 21st Century Socialism explores how socialism needs to be re-imagined to make it relevant to 21st-century.