Deepening Democracy - Global Governance and Political Reform in Latin America

Adams surveys the impact of transnational organizations and NGOs on Latin American politics since 1990. The transition from military to civilian rule in Latin American countries has benefited local progressive forces, but resilient remnants favoring the past's authoritarian politics have compelled organizations like the UN, IMF, OAS, and World Bank to engage in various campaigns to deepen democratic institutions and norms. Adams argues that to understand current political transformations in the region, one must consider the existing role of external organizations. Latin America is offered as a prime example of the increased influence transnational authorities have over political decisions that had long been the exclusive prerogative of national governments.

Beginning with the Latin American experience, Adams reviews the contemporary character of power and politics in the area, outlining how democratic transitions have been limited. UN human rights and reform initiatives are considered. Adams scrutinizes the work of the World Bank, the IMF, and the Inter-American Development Bank to modernize public administration, strengthen political institutions, enhance transparency and accountability, and fortify civil society. He also examines the work and impact and the Organization of American States and various global citizens groups.

List of contents

Preface
List of Acronyms
Introduction
Power and Politics in Latin America
United Nations
International Financial Institutions
Organization of American States
Global Civil Society
Deepening Democracy in the Americas
Bibliography
Index

About the author

FRANCIS ADAMS is Associate Professor of Political Science and Associate Director of the Graduate Program in International Studies at Old Dominion University.

Product details

• Authors: Francis Adams, Adams Francis
• Publisher: Bloomsbury
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 30.05.2003
• EAN: 9780275970383
• ISBN: 978-0-275-97038-3
• Subjects: Social sciences, law, business > Political science > Political science and political education; Latin America, POLITICAL SCIENCE / NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations), POLITICAL SCIENCE / Political Process / General, POLITICAL SCIENCE / International Relations / General, POLITICAL SCIENCE / World / Caribbean & Latin American, International Relations, Political structure & processes, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Latin America – Mexico, Central America, South America, Political structure and processes, Geography and World Cultures