Latin America after the Neoliberal Debacle: Another Region is Possible

by Ximena de la Barra, Richard A. Dello Buono

Overview

Latin America after the Neoliberal Debacle studies the crippling problems that plague civilian democracies in the region. Ximena de la Barra and Richard Dello Buono draw on their extensive first-hand knowledge of Latin America to provide a rich analysis of why the needs of the region are too often put second to powerful foreign interests. In particular, they look at the shortcomings of the neoliberal development model, combining a broad historical overview with analysis of critical issues today.

In a region that displays some of the worst social disparities in the world, popular movements have begun to confront the forces of domination. Their struggles for social justice have proposed new political agendas that in some cases dovetail with the new generation of progressive leaders, fueling important social changes. The authors argue that genuine development, free of dependency, can only be achieved in the context of a more profound democratization and new forms of regional integration. This interdisciplinary study will be useful for students, scholars, and general readers concerned with the past, present, and particularly the future of this important region.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780742566057
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	01/16/2009
Series:	Another World is Necessary: Human Rights, Environmental Rights, and Popular Democracy , #2
Pages:	348
Product dimensions:	6.20(w) x 9.10(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

Ximena de la Barra is an independent consultant recently retired from UNICEF where she was the Latin American Public Policy Advisor. In earlier years she was part of the Allende Popular Unity Government and the first democratically elected Madrid local government, both in a technical capacity and as a community activist.

Richard Dello Buono is associate professor of sociology at the New College of Florida and is visiting associate professor of political science at the Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas, Mexico.

Table of Contents

Foreword
Introduction

Neoliberal Crises and the Declining Legitimacy of Representative Democracy
Fragilities of Representative Democracy in the Washington Consensus Era
The Triple Debt of Neoliberal Globalization

Social Movements and Renewed Demands for Social Transformation
Social Movements Take the Offensive
The Re-emergence of an Emancipatory Agenda
Challenging the Existing Legality

21st Century Strategies for Sovereignty and Regional Transformation
Challenging the Financial Trap Under Neoliberal Globalization
Interventionism and the Military Trap
Challenging Neoliberal Ideology and Latin America's "One-dimensional Thought"
Regional Integration and the Emancipatory Agenda

Afterword: What's "Left" After Neoliberalism?
List of Authorities
References
Index

Editorial Reviews

Passionate yet scholarly, thorough yet succinct, this book by two deeply committed experts is the best guide one is likely to find to the current scene in fast-changing Latin America.

Susan George

At a time of increasing criticism of neoliberal globalization that has devastated societies around the world, this book provides a powerful critique of neoliberalism and its impact on Latin America and succeeds superbly in addressing the problems of neoliberal capitalist policies that have failed in a big way. Offering an alternative path out of the current crisis in Latin America, the book shows us the way forward for its future social transformation through mass mobilization and struggle. A must-read for anyone interested in understanding the problems and prospects of the region at this critical juncture in history.

Berch Berberoglu

Ximena de la Barra and Richard Dello Buono have made a fine contribution to the most important question of our time: what are the alternative social models for a generation that has witnessed both the fall of Soviet communism and the demise of neoliberalism?

Thomas Ponniah

An insightful, wide-ranging and extremely well argued analysis of the scourge of neoliberalism and its tragic impact on Latin America. Just as important, however, is a prescription—based upon successful regional models—to avoid its reappearance. A profound study on the ills that have traditionally plagued Latin America and inhibited any meaningful form of development. Essential reading for all interested in contemporary Latin America, and its future.

John M. Kirk

Passionate yet scholarly, thorough yet succinct, this book by two deeply committed experts is the best guide one is likely to find to the current scene in fast-changing Latin America.--Susan George, Transnational Institute

At a time of increasing criticism of neoliberal globalization that has devastated societies around the world, this book provides a powerful critique of neoliberalism and its impact on Latin America and succeeds superbly in addressing the problems of neoliberal capitalist policies that have failed in a big way. Offering an alternative path out of the current crisis in Latin America, the book shows us the way forward for its future social transformation through mass mobilization and struggle. A must-read for anyone interested in understanding the problems and prospects of the region at this critical juncture in history.--Berch Berberoglu, University of Nevada, Reno

Ximena de la Barra and Richard Dello Buono have made a fine contribution to the most important question of our time: what are the alternative social models for a generation that has witnessed both the fall of Soviet communism and the demise of neoliberalism?--Thomas Ponniah, Harvard University

From the Publisher