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Corruption and Politics in Latin America: National and Regional Dynamics

Stephen D. Morris and Charles H. Blake, editors
Corruption and Politics in Latin America: National and Regional Dynamics
ISBN: 978-1-58826-718-4
$68.50
ISBN: 978-1-58826-743-6
$27.50
2010/287 pages/LC: 2010018931
"Informative, instructive, and extremely thought provoking."—Matthew C. Ingram, Perspectives on Politics

"Those seeking an introduction to the region and its political prospects would do well to start with the Morris and Blake volume; those looking for a more advanced account of corruption in the region will find much to appreciate as well."—Michael Johnston, Journal of Latin American Studies

"Rich in detail on the causes and political consequences of corruption in selected countries in Latin America."—Kimberly Ann Elliott, Bulletin of Latin America Research

"A very rich and valuable volume.... It should become a must-read for those interested in corruption from both academic and policy perspectives."—Manuel Balán, Latin American Politics and Society

"A very strong and genuinely comparative book ... highlighting both similarities and contrasts in corruption among states in Latin America. It should be required reading for regional specialists, as well as for those concerned with global issues of corruption."—Michael Johnston, Colgate University

DESCRIPTION

Does corruption grease the wheels of Latin American politics, facilitating its operation? Or does it undermine democratic rule and worsen the perennial problems of poverty and inequality. Do citizens condemn, condone, or simply acquiesce to the corrupt behavior of their politicians? Corruption and Politics in Latin America addresses these thorny questions, offering a fresh and timely approach to the subject.

The authors' systematic comparative analysis of six countries—Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Cuba, Mexico, and Venezuela—focuses on patterns and underlying causes of corruption, the impact of political and economic changes, the effect of corruption on politics and society, and the nature and effectiveness of recent reforms. There is also a chapter devoted to regional and international efforts to attack corruption. With a common analytical approach reflected throughout, the book is both an accessible introduction and a source of new and provocative information and analysis.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stephen D. Morris is professor of political science and international relations at Middle Tennessee State University and adjoint professor in the Center for Latin American Studies at Vanderbilt University. Charles H. Blake is professor of political science at James Madison University. His publications include Politics in Latin America: The Quest for Development, Liberty, and Governance. Professors Blake and Morris are also coeditors of Corruption and Democracy in Latin America.

CONTENTS

  • Corruption and Politics in Latin America—the Editors.
  • Argentina: The Dawn of a New Era or Business as Usual?—C.H. Blake and S.L. Kohen.
  • Bolivia: Traditional Parties, the State, and the Toll of Corruption—D.W. Gingerich.
  • Brazil: Harmless Jeitinho or Threat to Democracy?—M.M. Taylor.
  • Cuba: Corruption at a Crossroads—S. Díaz-Briquets and J. Pérez-López.
  • Mexico: Corruption and Change—S.D. Morris.
  • Venezuela: Corruption in a Petrostate—L.C. Gates.
  • The Anticorruption Agenda in Latin America: National and International Developments—F. Guerzovich and R. de Michele.
  • Are the Politics of Corruption Changing?—the Editors.