Angry, bored, and confused?three words that aptly describe the typical American's view toward the world of politics. But it doesn't have to stay this way, argues Michael Kryzanek, in Angry, Bored, Confused. Kryzanek discusses issues central to American politics?citizenship, power, leadership, problem solving, initiating change?through a series of s

Comparative Politics: A Policy Approach is a unique text that integrates a comprehensive study of eight nations with critical policy issues facing those nations. The individual chapters on the United States, the United Kingdom, the Russian Federation, Japan, China, Mexico, South Africa and Iraq provide a wide-ranging examination of nations that are

Much has occurred in the Dominican Republic since the first edition of this critically acclaimed profile was published ten years ago: Democratic government has become more firmly established, if no less contentious, and the fragile economy, though still the definitive element in Dominican life, has benefited from changes in global trade patterns and corporate investment. Yet the Dominican Republic remains a nation mired in poverty and social tension. As the country heads toward the quincentennial of Columbus's landing in the New World, there is both anticipation and apprehension as the citizenry looks back proudly to their heritage and forward to a future clouded by uncertainties. This edition examines the changing character of governance and the political changes that have returned Joaquin Balaguer to the presidency for an unprecedented sixth term. The economic transitions that have made the Dominican Republic an attractive site for foreign business and tourism are also addressed, along with the economic causes of urban and rural unrest and the emigration of Dominicans to Puerto Rico and the United States. Critical public policy issues such as energy, taxation, population control, and education are explored, together with the social and political conflicts created by debt, austerity, and fiscal reform. Finally, the authors analyze the Dominican Republic's relations with its neighbors and major trading partners, giving special emphasis to the impact of new global and regional ties. Throughout, they focus on the struggle to maintain democracy in the face of the inevitable dislocations caused by economic reform and modernization.

This book focuses on the future of Latin American leaders and the relationship of these leaders to the United States. It examines the ways in which the critical interaction between individual leaders and the U.S. policy community affects the substance and direction of hemispheric relations.

Much has occurred in the Dominican Republic since the first edition of this critically acclaimed profile was published ten years ago: Democratic government has become more firmly established, if no less contentious, and the fragile economy, though still the definitive element in Dominican life, has benefited from changes in global trade patterns and corporate investment. Yet the Dominican Republic remains a nation mired in poverty and social tension. As the country heads toward the quincentennial of Columbus's landing in the New World, there is both anticipation and apprehension as the citizenry looks back proudly to their heritage and forward to a future clouded by uncertainties. This edition examines the changing character of governance and the political changes that have returned Joaquin Balaguer to the presidency for an unprecedented sixth term. The economic transitions that have made the Dominican Republic an attractive site for foreign business and tourism are also addressed, along with the economic causes of urban and rural unrest and the emigration of Dominicans to Puerto Rico and the United States. Critical public policy issues such as energy, taxation, population control, and education are explored, together with the social and political conflicts created by debt, austerity, and fiscal reform. Finally, the authors analyze the Dominican Republic's relations with its neighbors and major trading partners, giving special emphasis to the impact of new global and regional ties. Throughout, they focus on the struggle to maintain democracy in the face of the inevitable dislocations caused by economic reform and modernization.

Because the governing framework in many Latin American countries is weak or unstable, the United States has often resorted to formulating and implementing policy based on its ability to deal with a wide array of national leaders, from military dictators to civilian politicians to Marxist revolutionaries. Leaders and leadership style are therefore important factors in U.S. perception of the region and in the development of policies that affect Latin American countries. In this book Michael Kryzanek examines the ways in which the critical interaction between individual leaders and the U.S. policy community affects the substance and direction of hemispheric relations. Throughout, the author uses case studies to illustrate how individual heads of state respond to the issues of drugs, debt, trade, and regional security. Such leaders as Salinas of Mexico, Gaviria of Colombia, Chamorro of Nicaragua, Endara of Panama, Cristiani of El Salvador, and Menem of Argentina are examined at close range to analyze their mode of operation and to assess their ability to attain national objectives in a region in which U.S. influence is substantial.

"Comparative Politics: A Policy Approach is a unique text that integrates a comprehensive study of eight nations with critical policy issues facing those nations. The individual chapters on the United States, the United Kingdom, the Russian Federation, Japan, China, Mexico, South Africa, and Iraq provide a wide ranging examination of nations that are representative of the diversity in decision-making frameworks and political development in the international community. Comparative Politics is designed to guide the reader through a series of discussions in each nation's history, including: Key political milestones The structure of government The relationship of citizen to state The role played by political parties, groups and elections The shape and influence of the political elite The current status of the political economy The future direction of the nation in a global environment To further the goals of Comparative Politics, this book features in every chapter: Policy Briefs outlining the policy issues and debates in the forefront of the governing agenda ""Point of Fact"" items highlighting observations and sidebars on politics and life in each country Boxed features providing deeper commentary and factual information"

Angry, Bored, and Confused-three words that aptly describe the typical American's view toward the world of politics. But it doesn't have to stay this way, argues Michael J. Kryzanek in Angry, Bored, Confused: A Citizen Handbook of American Politics. Kryzanek discusses issues central to American politics-citizenship, power, leadership, problem solving, initiating change-through a series of straightforward questions, with sometimes surprising answers. Angry, Bored, Confused examines American politics from the perspective of an anxious consumer seeking to understand the political world and change it for the better.

Since the third edition was published in 1996, there have been significant developments in this key strategic and economic relationship. Kryzanek builds on the text and themes of previous editions and further examines the ties between the United States and the nations of Latin America. These ties reveal new opportunities, challenges, and tensions. During the second term of President Bill Clinton and now in the Bush presidency, hemispheric relations have been centered on issues of trade, investment, and resource development. The impact of globalization on the region was only beginning to be felt when the third edition of the text went to print, but now it is clear that the rules and demands of a globalized economy have changed the face of Latin America. Numerous areas of public policy that are critical ingredients to the national interests of both the United States and Latin America, such as immigration, drug smuggling, gang violence, leftist revolution, cultural transformations, and regional security continue to test the relationships between the United States and Latin American governments. Because this text has in the past concentrated on the foreign policy process within the United States government, the proposed new edition will not only update this process but add discussion of new participants in the shaping and implementation of policies toward Latin America. For example, there will be an accent on the growing role of Hispanics within the United States in pressuring for changes in United States policy in a number of areas. Institutionally, there will be new discussion of the role that the Department of Homeland Security plays in United States-Latin American relations, particularly with respect to border and anti-terrorism issues. Key chapters will be reformulated in order to show how the United States makes policy toward Latin America and how the Latin Americans respond to policy initiatives. Presenting how policy is made toward the region is an essential pathway toward understanding how this relationship has evolved and why there have been both successes and failures between the United States and the countries of Latin America.

Since the third edition was published in 1996, there have been significant developments in this key strategic and economic relationship. Kryzanek builds on the text and themes of previous editions and further examines the ties between the United States and the nations of Latin America. These ties reveal new opportunities, challenges, and tensions. During the second term of President Bill Clinton and now in the Bush presidency, hemispheric relations have been centered on issues of trade, investment, and resource development. The impact of globalization on the region was only beginning to be felt when the third edition of the text went to print, but now it is clear that the rules and demands of a globalized economy have changed the face of Latin America. Numerous areas of public policy that are critical ingredients to the national interests of both the United States and Latin America, such as immigration, drug smuggling, gang violence, leftist revolution, cultural transformations, and regional security continue to test the relationships between the United States and Latin American governments. Because this text has in the past concentrated on the foreign policy process within the United States government, the proposed new edition will not only update this process but add discussion of new participants in the shaping and implementation of policies toward Latin America. For example, there will be an accent on the growing role of Hispanics within the United States in pressuring for changes in United States policy in a number of areas. Institutionally, there will be new discussion of the role that the Department of Homeland Security plays in United States-Latin American relations, particularly with respect to border and anti-terrorism issues. Key chapters will be reformulated in order to show how the United States makes policy toward Latin America and how the Latin Americans respond to policy initiatives. Presenting how policy is made toward the region is an essential pathway toward understanding how this relationship has evolved and why there have been both successes and failures between the United States and the countries of Latin America.

It is to be hoped that this analysis of the Dominican situation by two persons who have given it much attention, . . . will help the understanding of deep problems of the Republic to which the American government may, in its wisdom, address itself. Robert Wesson, Series Editor . . . Wiarda and Kryzanek have written a splended overview that meets a major need in the literature. Recommended for upper-division undergraduate students and general readers. Choice Although not usually considered one of the major players in Wetern hemispheric affairs, the Dominican Republic offers the student and professional interested in Latin America a nearby laboratory in which to study the effects of dictatorship, economic intervention, and revolutionary change. The Dominican Republic is also at the center of North-South, East-West currents swirling through the Caribbean Basin. This comprehensive study interweaves the complex interrelations between the international scene and the internal character and development of Dominican national life.