Latin America in the Modern World is the first text to situate the
history of Latin America within a wider global narrative. Written by
leading scholars, the book focuses on five themes: state formation; the
construction of national identity through popular culture and religion;
economics and
commodities; race, class, and gender; and the environment. Emphasizing
the distinct experiences of each of the Latin American countries, the
book provides students with an entry point into understanding this vital
region. Instead of suggesting that all Latin American nations have an
interchangeable
heritage, the authors seek to clearly identify themes, topics, people,
and intellectual currents that help to knit the history of modern Latin
America into a coherent category of study. While providing in-depth
coverage of the history of the three largest Latin American countries
(Mexico, Brazil,
and Argentina), Latin America in the Modern World also offers case
studies from almost all of the countries, including Central American and
Andean nations.