Democracy in Latin America , Third Edition, examines processes of democratization in Latin America from 1900 to the present. Thoroughly revised and expanded, this new edition provides a widespread view of political transformation throughout the entire region. Adroitly blending qualitative and quantitative approaches, Democracy in Latin America , Third Edition, offers an innovative view of the "dialectic" of democratic change in Latin America. This interpretation draws upon new material concerning the rise of the "new Left," the relationship between social status and satisfaction with democracy, the effectiveness of antipoverty policies, changing roles of the judiciary, and the impact of the international environment. The text is enhanced by the inclusion of numerous photographic illustrations and brief "boxes" with portraits of personalities, explanations about methodology, and comments on conceptual approaches. "I can hardly imagine a better way to combine a grand narrative of political development in the region with empirical evidence supporting each point that the authors make. Democracy in Latin America should be the standard textbook for undergraduates interested in democratization and Latin American politics." --Francisco Cantu, University of Houston " Democracy in Latin America has more on institutions than any other textbook on Latin American politics I am aware of. Smith and Sells' focus on regime change in this region is unique, providing an effective hook for organizing the book." --Melody Ellis Valdini, Portland State University "The best book on democracy in Latin America." --Philip Mauceri, State University of New York at New Paltz Provides a widespread view of political transformation throughout the entire region Peter H. Smith is Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Political Science and Simón Bolívar Professor of Latin American Studies at the University of California, San Diego. Cameron J. Sells is a Ph.D. student in Political Science at the University of California, San Diego.