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Vanguard Revolutionaries in Latin America: Peru, Colombia, Mexico

James F. Rochlin
Vanguard Revolutionaries in Latin America: Peru, Colombia, Mexico
ISBN: 978-1-55587-984-6
$57.00
ISBN: 978-1-58826-106-9
$25.00
2002/293 pages/LC: 2002075198
"A thorough and evenhanded assessment.... Recommended."—Choice

DESCRIPTION

During the swan song of the Soviet Union and the immediate aftermath of the Cold War, many insurgent groups that had been dependent on Moscow or Havana quickly faded into political oblivion. But some existing groups, as well as emerging ones, flourished within a new and uncharted political constellation. This comparative study probes the origins and effects of Latin America's most potent insurgent movements—in Peru, Colombia, and Mexico—which are thriving now in large part by exploiting the revolution in military affairs.

Rochlin considers the intriguing question of what makes a successful revolutionary movement at the start of the 21st century. Addressing the commonalities and distinctions among subversive groups, he focuses on domestic and international context, support base, ideology, strategy, and prospects for power. He also explores the roots, metamorphosis, and prognosis of the conflicts. His in-depth discussion of these powerful rebel groups emphasizes the ways in which they are successfully rethinking the meaning of politics, revolutionary activity, and strategy in a new era.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

James F. Rochlin is professor of political science at Okanagan University College in Canada. His most recent book is Redefining Mexican Security: Society, State, and Region.

CONTENTS

  • Introduction.
  • Peru: The Origins, Ideology, and Support Base of Sendero Luminoso.
  • Sendero Luminoso: Concepts of Strategy, Security, and Power.
  • Colombia: The Origins, Ideology, and Support Base of the FARC and the ELN.
  • The FARC and the ELN: Concepts of Strategy, Security, and Power.
  • Mexico: The Origins, Ideology, and Support Base of the EZLN.
  • The EZLN: Concepts of Strategy, Security, and Power.
  • Conclusion.