The Promise of Development: Theories of Change in Latin America

In recent years Latin Americanists have been among the most innovative and productive theorists about the uneven process of development. This collection of substantial selections from some of the most prominent theorists in the field represents a scholarly consolidation and reassessment of the controversies concerning the development of Latin America.Beginning with a historiographic overview, the editors emphasize the origins, evolution, and historical context of the development of each theoretical school (modernization, dependency and Marxism, corporatism, and bureaucratic authoritarianism), then present key selections drawn from the writings of major theorists, organized by school. Each selection is prefaced with a short editorial introduction that highlights the central themes to follow. A concluding section outlines the main debates surrounding each school and suggests new directions in theoretical development that may arise from criticism of the theories of authoritarianism and the search for democratic processes of development. The book's usefulness as a text is further enhanced by selected bibliographies that contain further readings on each development theory.Here is a single source for Latin Americanists who hope to interest and instruct their students in the rich theoretical traditions and debates in Latin American studies. It also provides a strong core volume for other courses on developing areas.

Peter F. Klaren is professor of Latin American history at George Washington University and a professorial lecturer on Andean history and politics at the School of Advanced International Studies, The Johns Hopkins University. Thomas J. Bossert teaches political science at Sarah Lawrence College and lectures on politics at the Harvard School of Public Health. Peter F. Klaren is professor of Latin American history at George Washington University and a professorial lecturer on Andean history and politics at the School of Advanced International Studies, The Johns Hopkins University. Thomas J. Bossert teaches political science at Sarah Lawrence College and lectures on politics at the Harvard School of Public Health.