The book traces the twin processes of economic liberalization and political democratization in Bolivia since the 1980s, placing both in their historical context. By focusing on the issue of democratic 'viability', it seeks to raise the broader question of the relationship between democratization and the socio-economic context in which it takes place. In particular, it examines the institutional reforms of the early 1990s - praised by the World Bank and others - and considers their achievements and limitations.
This edited collection uses a history of economic thought perspective to explore the evolving role of Latin America within the context of globalization. In particular, it examines the region’s resilience in the face of the global financial crisis. Economic Development and Global Crisis explains that Latin America is a region with distinct characteristics and peculiarities which have been shaped from the colonial era up to the present day. The contributions suggest that several features which were perceived as economic backwardness have turned out to be advantageous, and this may explain why Latin America is withstanding the crisis much better than Europe, Japan and the USA. This book will be of interest to scholars working in the areas of economic development, economic history, the history of economic thought and Latin American studies.
Examines Cuba’s approach to scientific research, and distinguishes it from that of capitalist societies “Cuba's future must, by necessity, be a future of scientists,” Fidel Castro proclaimed in 1960. As Agustín Lage Dávila shows in this pathbreaking book, Cuba has in fact become a global leader in both the generation and application of scientific knowledge—as demonstrated by its ubiquitous production of socially useful products, from vaccines and medicines, to organic food. Speaking from his position as a noted Cuban immunologist, Dr. Lage shows how Cuba achieved such prominence, positing that the training of its scientists, their scientific practices, and their relationships with the Cuban people are intimately connected to the socialist culture that derived from the Cuban Revolution. Lage offers clearly written and easily understood answers to questions critical to the very survival of humanity. Why is culture critical to science? What distinguishes Cuba’s socialist culture from that of capitalist societies? What are the social responsibilities of scientists? How has Cuba made such incredible scientific advances in the face of the brutal and illegal U.S. blockade? How can a country like Cuba earn needed foreign exchange through the sale of its knowledge-intensive products to countries in the Global North while maintaining its ethical, socialist ideals? Lage’s interrogation of these questions will be of interest to scientists and economic planners around the world, to all those struggling for a better world–and, no doubt, even to those corporations competing with Cuba in global markets.
This book explores a big puzzle in development economics - why Argentina, despite rich natural resources and ample human capital, has endured such poor growth performance. The authors use rigorous economic analysis and an institutional and historical approach to show what went wrong, in a timely contribution to the sustainable development debate.
Early Modern Spain: A social History explores the solidarities which held the Spanish nation together at this time of conflict and change. The book studies the pattern of fellowship and patronage at the local level which contributed to the notable absence of popular revolts characteristic of other European countries at this time. It also analyses the Counter-Reformation, which transformed religious attitudes, and which had a huge impact on family life, social control and popular culture. Focusing on the main themes of the development of capitalism, the growth of the state and religious upheaval, this comprehensive social history sheds light on changes throughout Europe in the critical early modern period.
The discovery of the New World was initially a cause for celebration. But the vast amounts of gold that Columbus and other explorers claimed from these lands altered Spanish society. The influx of such wealth contributed to the expansion of the Spanish empire, but also it raised doubts and insecurities about the meaning and function of money, the ideals of court and civility, and the structure of commerce and credit. New World Gold shows that, far from being a stabilizing force, the flow of gold from the Americas created anxieties among Spaniards and shaped a host of distinct behaviors, cultural practices, and intellectual pursuits on both sides of the Atlantic. Elvira Vilches examines economic treatises, stories of travel and conquest, moralist writings, fiction, poetry, and drama to reveal that New World gold ultimately became a problematic source of power that destabilized Spain’s sense of trust, truth, and worth. These cultural anxieties, she argues, rendered the discovery of gold paradoxically disastrous for Spanish society. Combining economic thought, social history, and literary theory in trans-Atlantic contexts, New World Gold unveils the dark side of Spain’s Golden Age.
The History of Mexico: From Pre-Conquest to Present traces the last 500 years of Mexican history, from the indigenous empires that were devastated by the Spanish conquest through the election of 2006 and its aftermath. The book offers a straightforward chronological survey of Mexican history from the pre-colonial times to the present, and includes a glossary as well as numerous tables and images for comprehensive study. In lively and engaging prose, Philip Russell guides readers through major themes that still resonate today including: The role of women in society Environmental change The evolving status of Mexico’s indigenous people African slavery and the role of race Government economic policy Foreign relations with the United States and others The companion website provides many useful student tools including multiple choice questions, extra book chapters, and links to online resources, as well as digital copies of the maps from the book. For additional information and classroom resources please visit The History of Mexico companion website at www.routledge.com/textbooks/russell.
This book explores the dilemma facing Argentina after Pern's overthrow in 1955: how to consolidate a liberal-democratic republic after the breakdown of the old corporatist regime, when the necessary values and traditions had been eroded? Frondizi's, and his chief advisor Frigerio's, developmentalist style - a mixture of sheer voluntarism and undemocratic behaviour - and his abandonment of life-long principles, reinforced public suspicions of politics, marking in 1962 the beginning of a new cycle of military interventions that became the main feature of Argentine politics for the next two decades.
