This volume offers a concise overview of the political factors that condition social and economic development in Latin America. It draws upon (and augments) the introductory chapters of Wiarda and Kline's highly successful Latin American Politics and Development , Fifth Edition, while omitting the larger book's comprehensive array of country-by-country chapters. An Introduction to Latin American Politics and Development is thus an incisive survey that serves as essential reading in courses or seminars in the politics, development, transitions to democracy, and social change of Latin America and the Caribbean. It can stand alone as a text or be used in conjunction with readings on selected countries or cases.

The context of Latin American politics -- The pattern of historical development -- Changing political culture -- Class, social structure, social change -- Interest groups -- Political parties -- Government machinery, the role of the state, and public policy -- The struggle for democracy in Latin America -- Conclusion: Democracy in Latin American.