The dilemmas of democracy in Latin America

"Dilemmas of Democracy in Latin America explores two main themes: why democracy in Latin America is in such trouble, and why U.S. policy in the area so often goes astray. The book argues that Latin America was founded on such a different basis than the United States and has such a different history, political culture, and sociology that it cannot possibly imitate the U.S. model of democracy. U.S. policy in Latin America also goes astray not just because Americans neglect the area but because, fundamentally, we don't understand it, nor do we want to understand it. Ultimately it is only with a renewed approach to U.S. policy - one that includes respectfully engaging with the myriad histories and cultures of the region - that we can hope to encourage strong and effective democratic traditions."--Jacket.