Abstract
The research analyses patterns of development in Latin America from the mid–twentieth century through the first decades of the twenty-first century through successive waves of its historical processes. Based on similar patterns of development, this book examines: populism, military dictatorships, democratic neoliberalism, and neopopulism. This research analyses the general trends, scrutinizing paradigmatic cases. Employing a world systems perspective, the book discloses the effects of foreign influences upon Latin America by examining the roles of successive hegemonic countries—England, the Unites States and most recently China. Thus, the book shows both the forest and the trees.The question of development runs like a common thread throughout the periods covered in the book. The book answers the complex question of why Latin American countries, blessed with a bounty of natural resources and capable of industrialization, could not escape their role as producers and exporters of primary goods. By taking a step back to analyze the complex and evolving impediments to Latin America’s development over the past seven decades, it becomes possible to envision paths to a different future. Understanding the past allows us to imagine how Latin America, condemned to one hundred years of extractivism, might have, at last, an opportunity for real development.
Presenters
Magda von der Heydtretired, Sociology, Johns Hopkins University, Maryland, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
KEYWORDS
Latin America, Globalization, Populism, Military Dictatorships, Neo-liberalism, Neo-populism, Multidisciplinary Perspective
