Latin America is a region of profound cultural, social and geopolitical diversity. From this turbulent area of the world have emerged global symbols of both revolutionary struggle and reactionary brutality some of history's most romantic icons, from Simon Bolivar to Che Guevara, as well as some of the most stereotypical dictators, such as Rafael Trujillo and Augusto Pinochet. But why is Latin America important in the study of politics, why has it taken so long to achieve democracy, and how can this achievement be interpreted? Politics Latin America explores the unique circumstances that have shaped political evolution in this captivating region of 20 independent countries and examines the exciting new phase in politics now underway there. For the first time, almost an entire region of the developing world suffering from significant levels of poverty and inequality is organized under democratic government. The book explores why it has taken so long to achieve democracy in Latin America and how this development can be interpreted.