In this major work an economist with long experience as an advisor in
developing countries explores the conflict between market forces and
political reform that has led straight into Latin America's most serious
problems. John Sheahan addresses three central concerns: the persistence
of poverty in Latin American countries despite rising national incomes,
the connection between economic troubles and political repression, and
the relationships between Latin America and the rest of the world in
trade and finance, as well as overall dependence. His comprehensive
explanation of why many Latin Americans identify open political systems
with frustration and economic breakdown will interest not only
economists but also a broad range of other social scientists. This is
"political economy" in the classical sense of the word, establishing a
clear connection between the political and economic realities of Latin
America.