In assessing Carlos Salinas' socio-economic reforms the authors question the extent to which the Mexican state has been radically transformed, and possibly dismantled. The authors show that the changes which have occurred are uneven, limited and reversible. Despite the aura of reform it is the degree of continuity which is the most noticeable feature. In many respects the Mexican State remains highly authoritarian.
The author argues that liberalization strategy in Mexico has been successful in the short-term, but in looking at issues of employment, income distribution, foreign trade and industrial specialization, it has created a polarization of economy and society resulting in unsustainable conditions.
While scholars, activists and pundits from around the world have heralded the Lula years as a breakthrough for poverty reduction and the forthcoming emergence of Brazil as a dynamic economic superpower, many of their counterparts in the country as well as a number of Brazilianists elsewhere, have expressed great disappointment. Tracing back the trajectory of Brazilian Workers’ Party (Partido dos Trabalhadores - PT), Hernán F. Gómez Bruera explores how holding national executive public office contributed decisively to a pragmatic shift away from the party’s radical redistributive and participatory platform, earning the approbation of international audiences and criticisms of domestic progressives. He explains why a unique party, which originally promoted a radical progressive agenda of socio-economic redistribution and participatory democracy, eventually adopted an orthodox economic policy, formed legislative alliances with conservative parties, altered its relationship with social movements and relegated the participatory agenda to de sidelines. Touching on multiple dimensions, from economic policy and land reform to social policy, this book offers a distinct explanation as to why progressive parties of mass-based origin shift to the center over time and alter their relationships with their allies in civil society. Written in a clear and accessible style and featuring an enormous wealth of firsthand accounts from party leaders at all levels and within different factions, Gómez Bruera offers much needed new insights into why progressive parties alter their discourses and strategies when they occupy executive public office.
4th edition. Edited by Tim L. Merrill and Miro Ramon. Examines objectively and concisely the dominant historical, social, economic, political, and military aspects of contemporary Mexico. Research completed June 1996.
As one of the first successful Latin crossover artists, Jon Secada dominated the pop music charts in the early 90s, releasing hits such as Just Another Day and Angel and winning multiple Grammy Awards. As a Cuban refuge, Jon understands that life is about starting anew and embracing opportunities, something he never lost sight of while achieving his dream of being a performer and while building new dreams when life took unexpected turns. In his debut book, Jon shares the lessons he learned that made him the resilient person he is today. His moving message reaffirms that wisdom and strength comes from constantly reinventing yourself and finding what you’re made of through doubt and hardships, growing from adversity, and having faith in A New Day.
This reference book presents the important issues of contemporary Mexico within the backdrop of its historical background and augments it with an informative analysis and comprehensive bibliography, Mexico, with over 100,000,000 people finds itself with a new and activist president Vincente Fox, the first non-PRI president, along with a good relationship with President George W Bush, formerly the governor of nearby Texas. Mexico is an active participant in NAFTA, a founding member of the WTO, and involved and substantive reforms both in the political as well as economic areas and an oil-exporting country to boot.
